Prevalence of Diabetes Increasing
Among Delaware Adults

In 2005, 8.5% of Delaware residents age 18 and older reported that they have been told by a doctor that they have diabetes. This prevalence rate does not include gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes that occurs in a small percentage of women during pregnancy. The prevalence of diabetes among adults (see chart below) has doubled in Delaware in the past decade.

Trend in Adult Diabetes Prevalence in Delaware:

1995	1996	1997	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005
4.3%	5.3%	6.4%	6.0%	6.4%	7.1%	7.1%	7.6%	7%	8.5%

Diabetes is slightly more prevalent among African Americans (10.5%). It also becomes more prevalent with age. Only about 2% of adults in their 20s have diabetes, but the prevalence rises to 9% among 45-54 year olds, 14.3% among 55-64 year-olds, and 18% among those 65 and older. Slightly more men (9.6%) than women (7.6%) know they have diabetes. [Data from Delaware Behavioral Risk Factor Survey, 2005.]

The Delaware BRFS also provides information about compliance with diabetes recommendations for people with diabetes.

• About 19% of people with diabetes reported that they were taking insulin to treat it.
• About 72% reported they were taking diabetes pills.
• 58.8% say they check their blood glucose (sugar) levels daily. [The recommended frequency is at least three times a day for most diabetics.]
• 54.4% see their doctor four or more times a year for their diabetes.
• 85% say they have been checked by a doctor for Hemoglobin A1-C one or more times in the past year.
• About 80% had an eye exam in which their pupils were dilated during the past year.
• About 75% said a health professional has checked their feet for sores or irritations one or more times in the past year.
• 36% say they have taken a course or class in how to manage diabetes.

Diabetes Prevalence by County

State	Kent	New Castle	Sussex
8.5%	9.9%	7.9%	9.4%

Obesity Prevalence by County

State	Kent	New Castle	Sussex
23.5%	26.8%	21.6%	26.9%

Source: Delaware Health and Social Services, Division of Public Health, Behavioral Risk Factor Survey (BRFS), 1995-2005.

Last Updated: Friday January 26 2007