Only 1 in 4 Adults with Diagnosed Diabetes Achieve Combined Diabetes Care Goals

Achieving goal levels for diabetes ABCS can reduce the risk of related complications.

In 2017‒2018, only 26% of US adults with diagnosed diabetes met care goals for hemoglobin A1C (<8%), blood pressure (<140/90 mmHg), and cholesterol (non-high-density lipoprotein [non-HDL] <130 mg/dL) and were currently not smokers, researchers reported in the November 13, 2020, issue of CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Nationwide, 86% of people with diagnosed diabetes were current nonsmokers, 75% met the A1C goal, 70% met the blood pressure goal, and 56% met the cholesterol goal.

For this report, CDC researchers analyzed data from several national and state surveys—the American Community Survey (ACS), the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) surveys, and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)—and applied novel statistical methods such as raking and multiple imputation to obtain estimates for each US state and the District of Columbia.

The percentage of adults with diagnosed diabetes who achieved

  • An A1C level <8% ranged from 74% in Texas to 77% in Alaska.
  • Blood pressure <140/90 mmHg ranged from 63% in the District of Columbia to 75% in Alaska.
  • Non-HDL cholesterol <130 mg/dL ranged from 53% in Wisconsin to 63% in the District of Columbia.

In addition, the percentage of adults with diagnosed diabetes who were currently nonsmokers ranged from 79% in Tennessee to 92% in Utah.

Prevalence of Achieving Individual Goals of ABCS among Adults with Self-Reported Diabetes in 2017-2018
Hemoglobin A1c < 8%

Map showing US state with percentage of adults with diagnosed diabetes who achieved control of hemoglobin AIC level. In 2017-2018, the percentage with an A1C level less than 8%26#37; ranged from 74%26#37; in Texas to 77%26#37; in Alaska.

Blood pressure < 140/90 mmHg

US map with the percentage of adults with diagnosed diabetes who achieved control of blood pressure. Percentage with blood pressure less than 140/90 mmHg ranged from 63%26#37; in the District of Columbia to 75%26#37; in Alaska.

Cholesterol, non-HDL < 130 mg/dl

US map with the percentage of adults with diagnosed diabetes who achieved control of  non-HDL Cholesterol. Percentage with non-HDL cholesterol less than 130 mg/dL ranged from 53%26#37; in Wisconsin to 63%26#37; in the District of Columbia

Non-smoking, current

US map show US states with the percentage of adults with diagnosed diabetes who were current nonsmokers. percentage who were current nonsmokers ranged from 79%26#37; in Tennessee to 92%26#37; in Utah

Data sources: 2009-2018 NHANES, 2017-2018 ACS, and 2017-2018 BRFSS. Full data tables for these graphs can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6945a1.htm

Keeping blood sugar levels in a defined target range as much as possible can help prevent or delay long-term, serious health problems, such as heart disease, vision loss, kidney disease, and nerve damage that can lead to lower-extremity amputations. Managing cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and not smoking are very important to diabetes management and overall health, too. Learn more about managing blood sugar and preventing diabetes complications, and get free resources for quitting smoking.