The growing prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in Iowa
October 17, 2025Categories: Diabetes Care, Prevention
Overview: Diabetes continues to rise at an alarming rate in Iowa, with thousands of new diagnoses each year and many more living undiagnosed. Discover how we can move Iowa toward a healthier future.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) declared diabetes a national epidemic in 1994. Now, 30 years later, diabetes is still on the rise, particularly in Iowa. Every year, an alarming number of Iowans are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes (approximately 18,000). Even more concerning, nearly 34% of adults in the state have prediabetes, and an estimated 70,000 people are living with diabetes and don’t even know it.
So, what can be done about this growing prevalence and how can we reverse this trend?
Are you at risk for Type 2 diabetes?
Preventing Type 2 diabetes
Preventing Type 2 diabetes often starts with small, sustainable changes:
- Lose 5–7% of body weight if you are overweight.
- Exercise regularly, aiming for 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity per week.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins and vegetables.
- Manage stress through mindfulness, sleep and social support.
These changes can not only help prevent diabetes but also reverse prediabetes in many cases.
Discover the warning signs of prediabetes
Treating Type 2 diabetes
For the 18,000 Iowans who have Type 2 diabetes, seeking evidence-based treatment for diabetes can help reduce the risk of diabetes related complications such as:
- Heart disease.
- Stroke.
- Nerve damage and limb loss.
- Eye damage.
- Skin conditions.
- Foot ulcers.
- Hearing loss.
- Gum disease.
What can evidence-based treatment look like?
At MercyOne, evidence-based treatment for Type 2 diabetes is a comprehensive, patient-centered approach that includes:
- A multidisciplinary team: Care provided by board-certified endocrinologists, registered dietitians, diabetes nurse educators, health coaches, pharmacists and social workers.
- Diabetes education program: Education that includes blood glucose monitoring, insulin pump therapy, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), exercise guidance and stress management and behavior modification.
- Nutrition planning: Individualized plans created by registered dietitians to manage blood sugar levels, cholesterol, blood pressure and weight and metabolic syndrome.
Take action against diabetes
The growing prevalence of diabetes in Iowa is a serious public health concern but it’s not a lost cause. With early detection, lifestyle changes and access to evidence-based care, you can take control of your health and even reverse the course of prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes.
Whether you're managing a diagnosis or simply want to reduce your risk, the first step is awareness. Talk to your primary care provider about screening options, learn your risk factors and explore the support programs available in your community.
Discover our Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Program
