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If it seems like you’re seeing more patients with a documented diabetes diagnosis, you’re probably right. A large U.S. study published in JAMA Network Open provides evidence that diabetes is becoming increasingly common among adults. Researchers analyzed insurance claims representing more than 285 million person-years from 2018 to 2024 and found that diagnosed diabetes prevalence among those aged 18–64 years increased from 8.99% to 10.61%—a rise of 1.63 percentage points. Prevalence increased across insurance categories, with the largest increase among commercially insured patients (7.49% to 9.46%). In examining difference by sex, the study notes men had higher diabetes prevalence than women in 2024 (12.31% vs 9.37%, respectively). Among all patients with diabetes, diagnosed hyperglycemia increased from 33.96% to 37.32% from 2018 to 2024.
Geography matters too. Diabetes prevalence in 2024 ranged from 6.01% in Montana to 14.88% in Mississippi. All states experienced increasing prevalence over the study period. Researchers conclude that diagnosed diabetes and hyperglycemia are increasing nationally, although greater awareness and changes in coding practices may influence the findings.