Diabetes Impact

Impact of Prediabetes and Diabetes in Virginia

• 3.8 million Virginians have prediabetes (42.6%)
• Only 1 in 5 people with prediabetes are told by a health professional that they have prediabetes.
• ~920,820 Virginians have diagnosed diabetes (10.3%). Nearly 1 in 25 people have undiagnosed diabetes
• Diabetes is most prevalent in rural areas of the state and where the poverty rates are the highest:
• One quarter of the 65+ population are living with diabetes in Virginia. Prevalence of diabetes increases dramatically with every 10-year age group

Impact of Diabetes Prevention and Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs

Prevention of Diabetes

• Lifestyle management is an integral component of prevention and treatment of diabetes.
• People with prediabetes can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes by changing their lifestyle. Diabetes Prevention Lifestyle Change Programs (National DPP) are available throughout Virginia to educate and support people with prediabetes so that they can prevent or at least delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.
• DPP Lifestyle Change Programs are effective. People at risk for type 2 diabetes reduced their risk of developing diabetes by 58%. They also experienced reductions in blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Medicare covers  the DPP Lifestyle Change Program. Many employers and insurances cover the National DPP programs as well.

Prevention of Complications of Diabetes

Most of the complications of diabetes can be prevented through good blood glucose control in the early stages of diabetes. If complications have already occurred, further harm can be prevented through:

• Glucose control – Improved control of blood glucose can reduce the risk of microvascular complications in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. These complications include those involving the eyes, kidneys and nervous system.
• Blood pressure control –Reduction in high blood pressure decreases the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease as well as the microvascular complications. Monitoring and medical management of high blood pressure is important.
• Control of blood cholesterol – Control of LDL and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides can reduce the cardiovascular complications of diabetes significantly. Improved diet and use of medications will help control blood cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications.
• Care of feet – The care of feet is very important since persons with diabetes are often diagnosed with neuropathy and unable to sense pain from cuts or injuries to their feet. Not feeling a foot injury may lead to an infection if not treated in time.  Daily foot checks are recommended.
• Kidney Protection – Monitoring blood pressure and taking blood pressure medications as prescribed, quit smoking, and limiting salt intake may reduce the risk of kidney damage.

Percent of Adults with Diabetes in Virginia who Engage in Preventive and Self-Management Diabetes Practices in 2021.

Preventive and Management Behavior	Percent of Adults with Diabetes in Virginia
Check blood sugars at least once per day	56.4%
Have A1c checked by health professional at least twice/year	73.0%
Check feet for sores or irritations at least daily	59.1%
Have feet checked by health professional annually	73.4%
Saw health professional for diabetes in last year	90.9%
Had an eye exam in which pupils were dilated	68.2%
Have ever taken a course or class in how to manage their diabetes	50.6%

Diabetes Self-Management Education

• Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) is a standard component of diabetes care. People with diabetes are educated and support is provided around seven self-care behaviors: healthy eating, being active, monitoring, taking medication, problem solving, healthy coping and reducing risks.
• Nearly 50% of Virginians with diabetes have never taken a class on how to better manage their diabetes.
• Engaging adults with type 2 diabetes in DSMES results in improvements in A1C by as much as 1%.
• Find a DSMES program near you.

Learn more about diabetes and diabetes prevention at the Centers for Disease Control. Statistics on diabetes and prediabetes obtained on the United States Diabetes Surveillance System on June, 2026.