An estimated 19 million Americans
have type 2 diabetes and half are unaware they have it.

Over 19 million Americans have diabetes; up to 95% of these cases are type 2. In addition, 26% of Americans age 20 and older (and 40% of Americans age 65 and older) have impaired fasting glucose, a pre-diabetes condition that increases the risk for diabetes. According to a 2006 study, a total of 73 million Americans either have diabetes or are at risk of developing it.

Historically, type 2 diabetes usually developed after the age of 40, but it is now also increasing in children. Given the current epidemic of obesity, experts are now estimating that over a third of all people born in 2002 will eventually develop diabetes. Furthermore, the dramatic increase in diabetes is occurring worldwide as American lifestyles become global. Evidence strongly suggests that healthy lifestyles can prevent most cases of type 2 diabetes. People with pre-diabetes can substantially lower their risk by losing weight through diet and exercise.