Diabetes affects 40.1 million adults in the United States, accounting for roughly 12% of the population, according to 2023 data cited in the 2026 National Diabetes Statistics Report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Federal figures show expanding prediabetes numbers
The federal figures show that approximately 2.1 million Americans live with type 1 diabetes. This total includes 1.8 million adults aged 20 and older alongside 314,000 children and adolescents younger than 20. Each year, roughly 1.5 million individuals receive a new diagnosis. Meanwhile, the pool of Americans with prediabetes continues to expand, reaching an estimated 115 million adults. Diabetes is common among older adults, with 28.8% of individuals aged 65 and older living with the condition.
Diabetes ranks as seventh leading cause of death
In 2023, diabetes ranked as the seventh leading cause of death nationwide, according to federal data. The disease was listed as the underlying cause in 95,190 deaths, while 399,342 total death certificates recorded it as an underlying or contributing factor. The American Diabetes Association notes that maintaining healthy glucose control helps prevent microvascular and macrovascular complications, cardiovascular disease, chronic inflammation, and insulin resistance.
Continuous Glucose Monitors and Kidney Health
A three-year study published in JAMA Network Open and conducted by Kaiser Permanente tracked high-risk patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. Andrew J. Karter, PhD found that patients who used continuous glucose monitors achieved rapid and lasting blood sugar improvements alongside reduced protein in their urine—an early sign of kidney improvement. Roughly 30% of patients with type 2 diabetes eventually develop chronic kidney disease, making early urinary protein reduction a critical metric.
Comparative Trial Outcomes Over Three Years
To evaluate the medical impact, Kaiser Permanente researchers used electronic medical records to compare 2,771 registry patients who adopted continuous glucose monitors against those who did not, emulating a randomized controlled trial. Ajit Mahapatra, MD, noted that while HbA1c reductions were largely sustained over the three-year study, standard kidney function test results did not show improvement. Mahapatra observed that real-time feedback helps patients make informed choices regarding food, activity, and insulin dosing, potentially reducing cardiovascular risks even for non-insulin-dependent patients with diabetic kidney disease.
Clinical Interventions and Pharmacist Support
The 2026 ADA Standards of Care designate routine self-monitoring of blood glucose as a core component of management for patients using insulin or medications that may cause hypoglycemia. Because pharmacists maintain frequent patient interactions, they play a role in raising awareness, promoting medication adherence, and supporting early identification. Self-monitoring tools give patients immediate insight into how food, stress, illness, and physical activity alter daily glucose patterns.
Answers to key diabetes data questions
How many Americans have undiagnosed diabetes according to federal data?
The CDC report indicates that 11 million individuals remain undiagnosed out of the 40.1 million total adults affected by diabetes in the United States.
What specific kidney indicator improved for patients using continuous glucose monitors in the Kaiser Permanente study?
Patients using the monitors showed a large reduction in the level of protein in their urine by the end of the three-year study, pointing to early kidney health improvement.
Which population group experiences the highest prevalence of diabetes?
Older adults aged 65 and older face a high rate, with 28.8% of individuals in that age bracket affected by the condition.
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