U.S.: Prevalence of Diabetes among Seniors, by year
YearAdults aged 65y and older,
in %
202220.1
202119.4
202020.9
201920.2
  • Region: United States
  • Time period: 2019 to 2022
  • Published: Feb 2024

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Mar 28, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

Highest Prevalence of Diabetes in 2020

The prevalence of diabetes among adults aged 65 years and older reached its peak in 2020 with a rate of 20.9%, indicating the highest observed figure within the given data range from 2019 to 2022.

Decrease in Prevalence from 2020 to 2021

A significant decrease in the prevalence of diabetes among seniors occurred between 2020 and 2021, dropping from 20.9% to 19.4%. This change represents the most considerable year-over-year reduction within the provided data set.

Trend Reversal in 2022

After a decline in the previous year, the prevalence rate experienced a reversal in 2022, increasing to 20.1%. This indicates a renewed upward trend in the prevalence of diabetes among seniors.

Average Prevalence Over Four Years

The average prevalence of diabetes among adults aged 65 years and older over the four years stands at approximately 20.15%, reflecting a persistent high level of diabetes within this age group.

Minor Fluctuations in Prevalence

Over the period from 2019 to 2022, the prevalence rates of diabetes among seniors have shown minor fluctuations, with the difference between the highest (20.9% in 2020) and lowest (19.4% in 2021) rates being only 1.5 percentage points. This demonstrates relatively stable but high diabetes prevalence rates among the senior population in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the highest prevalence of diabetes among seniors?

The highest prevalence of diabetes among seniors was 20.9% in 2020.

What was the average prevalence of diabetes among seniors over the four years?

The average prevalence of diabetes among seniors over the four years was approximately 20.15%.

Terms and Definitions

Prevalence refers to the total number of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or condition at a specific point or period. It is usually given as a percentage or proportion of the population considered.

Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by the body's inability to effectively use the insulin it produces, or due to insufficient production of insulin. This condition results in elevated levels of glucose in the blood, known as hyperglycemia. It can lead to serious health complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, and loss of vision.

The term 'seniors' is used to refer to adults who are generally at retirement age or older. Although it can vary by context, in general, it is often used to refer to individuals who are 65 years of age or older.

A year-by-year analysis involves breaking down data per annum to analyze trends or changes over time. It is especially useful in comparing changes in prevalence rates over years and drawing conclusions from such comparisons.

Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes, is an autoimmune condition wherein the body's immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This results in the body not being able to produce insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels.

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body metabolizes sugar (glucose), resulting in the body either resisting the effects of insulin or not producing enough insulin. It is the most common type of diabetes and is often associated with obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.

Gestational diabetes is a condition that affects pregnant women during their pregnancy. This form of diabetes causes high blood sugar that can affect pregnancy and the baby's health, but typically it resolves after childbirth.

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. It allows cells to take in glucose from the bloodstream and use it as a source of energy, helps store excess glucose in the liver, and keeps blood sugar levels from getting too high or low.

Hyperglycemia refers to a condition where there is an excessive amount of glucose circulating in the blood plasma. This condition is commonly associated with diabetes and can lead to severe complications if left untreated over time.
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