More than 191,000 Utah adults have been diagnosed with diabetes, a condition that costs the state more than $1 billion each year in direct and indirect medical costs, according to data from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services.
The Economic Burden of Diabetes
The prevalence of diabetes in Utah remains a significant public health concern. According to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, the 2022 age-adjusted rate of diabetes for Utah was 9.0%, which is lower than the United States national age-adjusted rate of 10.8%.
Despite this lower rate compared to the national average, the disease continues to place a heavy burden on healthcare resources. In Utah, annual costs associated with diabetes—comprising both direct and indirect medical expenses—exceed $1 billion. On a national scale, the financial impact is even larger, with approximately $412.9 billion spent annually. This national figure includes $306.6 billion in direct medical costs and $106.3 billion in indirect costs, such as disability, work loss, and premature death.
Health Risks and Complications
Diabetes is associated with several severe health consequences. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services reports that the disease is a leading cause of heart disease, kidney failure, and non-traumatic lower-extremity amputation. Additionally, diabetes is a leading cause of blindness among adults under the age of 75.
While the rising prevalence of diabetes in Utah appears to be slowing, health officials note that many Utah adults are overweight or obese and often lead sedentary lifestyles. These factors contribute to an increased risk for developing the disease.
The Threat of Prediabetes
A significant portion of the population remains at risk for developing diabetes through prediabetes. An estimated 97.6 million Americans aged 18 and older currently have prediabetes, a condition where blood sugar rates are elevated but have not yet reached the clinical threshold for a diabetes diagnosis.
Health officials emphasize that many individuals can delay or prevent the onset of diabetes by taking small lifestyle steps. These interventions include increasing physical activity, eating a more nutritious diet, or losing 5% to 7% of body weight.
Regional Prevalence Trends
Local health trends show variations across the state. According to data from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, the overall age-adjusted rate for the state was 8.7% in recent assessments.
Regional data indicates that the Southwest and Wasatch County local health districts reported lower rates of diabetes than the state average. Conversely, the San Juan Local Health District reported a rate that was higher than the state average.
Statewide Management Programs
To combat the spread of the disease, the Healthy Environments Active Living (HEAL) program works to increase the number of locations offering Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) classes. These classes are designed to help individuals develop essential management skills and are typically taught by pharmacists, registered nurses, or registered dietitians, many of whom hold the status of Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (CDCES).
Additionally, the Utah Healthy Aging Program supports the Living Well with Chronic Conditions program, also known as the Diabetes Self-Management program. This 6-week program is available at no cost throughout the state and is taught by community members.
Resources for Prevention
The National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) also serves as an evidence-based method to prevent type 2 diabetes. The HEAL program works with statewide partners to promote the National DPP to eligible Utahns and is working to expand National DPP sites across the state.
For residents seeking assistance, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services provides a Health Resource hotline at 1-888-222-2542. Information regarding self-management programs can also be obtained by calling 211.
Ongoing Monitoring
The Utah Department of Health and Human Services maintains that the rising prevalence of diabetes in the state appears to be slowing. However, the department continues to monitor the impact of lifestyle factors, such as obesity and sedentary behavior, on the number of people at risk for the disease.
