Prevalence of Diabetes in Adults

Definition of Prevalence: The prevalence rate is the number of people with an existing condition or disease, and the number of new cases, at one point in time.

• Currently, in Virginia, the prevalence rate of diabetes is only measured in adults 18 and over using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that in the U.S. the total prevalence of diabetes for all ages was 7.8% in 2007.

• The diabetes prevalence rate for adults in Virginia in 2007 was 8.0%.

Diabetes Prevalence Rates, VA 2001-2007

2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007
6.0%	6.2%	7.2%	7.0%	6.9%	7.4%	8.0%

• In 2007, females were slightly more likely than males to have diabetes. But, in 2006 males were slightly more likely than females to have diabetes; thus, there is no consistent trend by gender in Virginia.

• In 2007, blacks had higher diabetes prevalence rates than any other racial or ethnic group. This tends to be a consistent trend from year to year.

Prevalence of Diabetes in Virginia by Race, Ethnicity, and Gender, 2007

Source: BRFSS, CDC 2007; CDC National Diabetes Fact Sheet, 2007
Data Note: Percents are weighted towards annual population estimates.

• In 2007, people with diabetes with lower household incomes, were more likely to have diabetes. As income increased, the prevalence of diabetes decreased.

Prevalence of Diabetes in Virginia by Income Level, 2007

Income	Percent
Less than $15,000	14.3
$15,000 - 24,999	14.0
$25,000 - 34,999	11.7
$35,000 - 49,999	10.8
$50,000+	5.1

• In 2007, education had a similar effect as income. As education increased, the prevalence of diabetes decreased.

Prevalence of Diabetes in Virginia by Education Level, 2007

Education Level	Percent
Less than High School	15.1
High School or GED	10.4
Some Post-High School	8.0
College Graduate	5.1

Prevalence of Diabetes by Virginia City and County, 2004 and 2005

The CDC now provides county-level estimates of diabetes prevalence. Estimates for 2004 and 2005 can be found at the following web site-

http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/DDT_STRS2/CountyPrevalenceData.aspx?StateId=51.

Source: BRFSS, CDC 2007; CDC National Diabetes Fact Sheet, 2007

Data Note: Percents are weighted towards annual population estimates.

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