T2DM is of epidemic proportions in the western hemisphere, having doubled in incidence in the past two decades. According to an article in the New York Times on May 16, 2006, diabetes is the only disease in the U.S. with a death rate that is still rising, accounting for over 225,000 deaths per year. It is estimated that there are at least 20 million diabetics in the USA, with a third still undiagnosed. In addition to the direct morbidity and mortality due to diabetes, elevated fasting blood glucose levels, even levels below the threshold for a diabetes diagnosis, have been associated with a significantly increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The American Diabetes Association has estimated that $92 billion was spent in 2002 on diabetes care. Of that, $20 billion was for the diabetes drug market, accounting for over 12% of total pharmaceutical sales.
Science: Science Links
Type 2 Diabetes Afflicts 7% of Americans.
The American Diabetes Association has estimated that the economic cost of diabetes to the U.S. economy in 2007 exceeded 174 billion dollars. 