What does this measure?

The number of adults who have been diagnosed with a new case of diabetes by a doctor (not including gestational diabetes), in each year per 10,000 residents.

Why is this important?

Diabetes is a leading cause of kidney failure, non-traumatic lower-limb amputations, and new cases of blindness among adults in the United States. It is also a major cause of heart disease and stroke, and the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Associated with lack of activity and being overweight and obese, Type 2 diabetes is a growing public health concern across the U.S.

How is our county doing?

In 2023, the rate of new diabetes diagnoses was 65 per 10,000 residents in Essex County. This was higher than the state rate of 59 per 10,000 residents and the national rate of 62. Essex's rate has declined 13% from 75 per 10,000 in 2014, compared to the national decrease of 3%. The state's rate increased 11% from 2014.

How do we compare to similar counties?

Essex County had the second highest rate among the comparison counties in 2023, below Lake County, IL (85) and above Middlesex, MA (41) and Westchester, NY (62). Rates have been declining in most of these counties as well; Lake County, IL was the only comparison county to exhibit an increase (27%).

Notes about the data

Data come from a federal government survey designed to collect scientific data on health risks and behaviors.