(Arlington, VA, Wednesday, November 14, 2018) – Over the last 30 years the number of U.S. adults with diabetes increased nearly 300%.

This November, the American Diabetes Association is celebrating American Diabetes Month. This year’s theme is “Everyday Reality.”

Across the U.S., nearly 30 million Americans have diabetes and face its devastating consequences, and an additional 84 million are at risk, totaling nearly half of the U.S. adult population.

For those who’ve been diagnosed, diabetes impacts nearly every decision they make daily — from what to eat, wear, do, and other decisions about how they’ll take care of themselves. Yet the 24/7 burden of diabetes management is often misunderstood. Early detection and treatment of diabetes can decrease the risk of developing the complications of diabetes.

In 2017, the total costs of diagnosed diabetes in the United states were $327 billion — $237 billion for direct medical costs, and $90 billion in reduced productivity. After adjusting for population age and sex differences, average medical expenditures among people with diagnosed diabetes were 2.3 times higher than what expenditures would be in the absence of diabetes.

Wednesday, November 14 is World Diabetes Day. November 14 is the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, the co-discoverer of insulin.

Visit diabetes.org/everydayreality, where you will find more information about how to participate and steps you can take to help, including:

1. Take the risk test. Diabetes starts with an individual. Then the family, extended family, friends and community. Your help is needed to make it stop before it’s the everyday reality for the 84 million people living with prediabetes.
2. Learn. We are committed to helping you understand this chronic disease. Help us set the record straight and educate the world about diabetes by learning the facts about diabetes.
3. Become an advocate. Together we can transform the lives of all people with diabetes. Join us in speaking out for them.
4. Donate. The ADA leads the battle against diabetes by funding research for prevention, a cure and management, providing credible information about the disease and giving a voice to the millions of Americans who are affected by it every day. Join the fight today by donating.

Join the conversation and share your everyday reality using #EverydayReality.