Prevalence of Diabetes
Among Delaware Adults

In 2008, 8.3% 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 increased slightly in Delaware in the past decade, but there has been no statistically significant change in the past four years.

Trend in Adult Diabetes Prevalence in Delaware:

Diabetes is slightly more prevalent among African Americans (11.2%). It also becomes more prevalent with age. Less than 2% of adults in their 20s have diabetes, but the prevalence rises to 9.4% among 45-54 year olds, 12.4% among 55-64 year-olds, and 18.7% among those 65 and older. Slightly more men (8.7%) than women (7.9%) know they have diabetes. [Data from Delaware Behavioral Risk Factor Survey , 2008.]

The 2008 Delaware BRFS also provides information about compliance with diabetes recommendations for people with diabetes.

• About 27.4% of people with diabetes reported that they were taking insulin to treat it.
• 58.7% say they check their blood glucose (sugar) levels more than once a day. [The recommended frequency is at least three times a day for most diabetics.]
• 45.4% see their doctor four or more times a year for their diabetes.
• 88% say they have been checked by a doctor for Hemoglobin A1-C one or more times in the past year.
• About 72.4% of people with diabetes had an eye exam in which their pupils were dilated during the past year.
• 25.3% of people with diabetes said they've been told a doctor that diabetes has affected their eyes, or they have retinopathy.
• About 75% said a health professional has checked their feet for sores or irritations one or more times in the past year.
• 44.5% say they have taken a course or class in how to manage diabetes.

Source: Delaware Health and Social Services, Division of Public Health, Behavioral Risk Factor Survey (BRFS), 2007.