Diabetes is a costly, complex, and devastating chronic illness that poses a major public health problem. It is the seventh leading cause of death in Wisconsin. Annually, diabetes costs Wisconsin adults an estimated $5.26 billion in health care costs and lost productivity. Each year, more than 1,200 Wisconsin residents die from diabetes and many more suffer disabling complications, such as heart disease, kidney disease, blindness, and amputations. This burden is higher among minority populations.
Much of the health and economic burden of diabetes can be averted through known prevention measures. The Wisconsin Diabetes Prevention and Control Program (DPCP) is dedicated to improving the health of people at risk for or with diabetes.
