Diabetes Health Center

Diabetes Up 90% in U.S.

State Diabetes Rankings

To minimize errors, the CDC averaged the study data over two-year periods. The latest data, from 2005-2007, is compared to data from 1995-1997. Complete data are available for 33 states.

Here's the CDC's list of states, in order of annual, age-adjusted diabetes rate per thousand residents. Increases compare rates from 2005-2007 to rates from 1995-1997.

1. West Virginia: 12.7 new cases per year, up 119%
2. South Carolina: 11.5 new cases per year, up 113%
3. Alabama: 11.3 new cases per year, up 109%
4. Georgia: 11.2 new cases per year, up 81%
5. Texas: 11.1 new cases per year, up 156%
6. Tennessee: 11.0 new cases per year, up 112%
7. Kentucky: 10.5 new cases per year, up 163%
8. Arizona: 10.4 new cases per year, up 100%
9. Florida: 10.3 new cases per year, up 203%
10. Indiana: 10.2 new cases per year, up 76%
11. Arkansas: 10.2 new cases per year, up 122%
12. North Carolina: 10.1 new cases per year, up 77%
13. Idaho: 9.8 new cases per year, up 216%
14. California: 9 new cases per year, up 36%
15. Missouri: 8.8 new cases per year, up 69%
16. New Mexico: 8.7 new cases per year, up 64%
17. Pennsylvania: 8.6 new cases per year, up 83%
18. Maine: 8.3 new cases per year, up 102%
19. New Hampshire: 8 new cases per year, up 135%
20. Iowa: 8 new cases per year, up 63%
21. Utah: 7.8 new cases per year, up 73%
22. New Jersey: 7.7 new cases per year, up 64%
23. Virginia: 7.6 new cases per year, up 38%
24. South Dakota: 7.3 new cases per year, up 181%
25. Montana: 7.1 new cases per year, up 97%
26. North Dakota: 7.0 new cases per year, up 35%
27. Oregon: 6.7 new cases per year, up 43%
28. Vermont: 6.6 new cases per year, up 43%
29. Ohio: 6.3 new cases per year, up 91%
30. Colorado: 6.2 new cases per year, up 72%
31. Wyoming: 6.1 new cases per year, up 15%
32. Hawaii: 5.9 new cases per year, up 40%
33. Minnesota: 5.0 new cases per year, up 67%

By region:

South: 10.5 new cases per year, up 133%

West: 8.6 new cases per year, up 51%

Northeast: 8.2 new cases per year, up 78%

Midwest: 7.4 new cases per year, up 76%

Diabetes Symptoms

Type 2 diabetes makes up 95% of diabetes cases. How do you know if you have it? The best way, of course, is to have regular medical checkups.

Symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes include:

• Slow-healing sores or cuts
• Itching of the skin (usually around the vaginal or groin area)
• Frequent yeast infections
• Recent weight gain
• Velvety dark skin changes of the neck, armpit, and groin
• Numbness and tingling of the hands and feet
• Decreased vision
• Impotence

People with diabetes can no longer control their blood sugar. When blood sugar soars, symptoms include:

• Increased thirst
• Increased hunger (especially after eating)
• Dry mouth
• Frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss (even though you are eating and feel hungry)
• Fatigue (weak, tired feeling)
• Blurred vision
• Headaches
• Loss of consciousness (rare)