The prevelance of diabetes is a growing health concern in the United States.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, of the approximately 24 million with diabetes, 17.9 million have been diagnosed with diabetes, while 5.7 million people remain undiagnosed.  This means that nearly 8 percent of the U.S. population has diabetes.  Diabetes increased in both men and women and in all age groups, but still disproportionately affects the elderly. Almost 25 percent of the population 60 years and older had diabetes in 2007.  Left undiagnosed, diabetes can lead to severe complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and lower limb amputation as well as premature death.  Millions of people have diabetes and don't know it.  However, with early detection and treatment people with diabetes can take steps to control the disease and lower the risk of complications.

Diabetes disproportionately affects Nebraska’s elderly. About one of every nine persons, 65 years of age and older, have been diagnosed with diabetes. This age group comprises over 40 percent of Nebraska’s total population with diabetes.

Approximately one of every nine hospitalizations in Nebraska involves a person with diabetes. On average, a diabetes-related hospitalization costs nearly 40 percent more than a non-diabetes-related stay. The occurrence and cost of care for this patient population affects all healthcare settings.

For quality improvement resources and strategies, please visit the Diabetes Documents and Links section.