Type 1 Diabetes Cases and Care Vary Widely Across States

Type 1 diabetes incidence and care availability vary significantly across U.S. states, according to recent research. In 2024, the national incidence rate for individuals under 20 was 24.0 per 100,000, but statewide rates ranged from 17.0 in Hawaii to 27.8 in West Virginia, New Mexico, and Vermont. California and Texas had the highest prevalence, while Wyoming and Washington, D.C. had the lowest.

Data from a cross-sectional study reveals stark disparities in access to specialized pediatric endocrinologists. Nebraska, Mississippi, North Dakota, and New Mexico had fewer than five pediatric endocrinologists per 1,000 patients under 18. Conversely, Washington, D.C. had the highest ratio at 46.4, followed by Rhode Island (22.5) and Massachusetts (20.7). The demand for pediatric endocrinologists is expected to rise with increased screening, new drug approvals, and technological advancements.

Geography effectively acts as a clinical variable, with significant variation in access to care. While the gap is less pronounced compared to primary care physicians or general specialists, states with lower incidence often have similar or higher levels of specialist shortage. The study aims to help individuals with type 1 diabetes, policymakers, and healthcare providers by providing state-level estimates of care capacity and identifying areas requiring targeted investment in workforce development, telehealth, and shared-care support.