See Which States Have the Highest and Lowest Diabetes Rates

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2019 there were approximately 37.3 million people in the United States with diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes. This represents roughly 11.8% of the country's population and 14.7% of all adults.

But not all states have the same rates, some having rates twice as high as others. For context, the US median of adults 18 or older with diagnosed diabetes is 9.8%. Does your state make the cut?

The CDC says these states have the highest age-adjusted prevalence of diabetes in the United States, in descending order:

1. West Virginia, 13.4%
2. Mississippi, 12.9%
3. Louisiana, 12.9%
4. Alabama, 12.7%
5. Arkansas, 12.4%

Meanwhile, the states with the lowest incidence of diabetes are:

1. Colorado, 6.6%
2. Wisconsin, 7.4%
3. Vermont, 7.6% 
4. Massachussetts, 7.7%
5. Minnesota, 7.9% 

It's worth noting that diabetes is a growing health concern across the country, with an estimated 88 million people with prediabetes in addition to the dozens of millions living with diabetes. The prevalence of diabetes varies by age, race/ethnicity, and other factors, so it's important to talk to a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your risk for diabetes or need help managing the condition. To learn more about diabetes, check out these blog posts by Diabetes Direct:

• What is Type 1 Diabetes? – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
• What is Type 2 Diabetes? – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment