Incidence and prevalence

Type 1 diabetes by the numbers

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is one of the fastest-growing, noncommunicable, chronic health conditions on the planet. 

1.5 million
People living with T1D in the U.S.
9.5 million
People living with T1D globally
199,000
Americans living with T1D under the age of 20
45-65
Age range of most Americans living with T1D

Demographic Research Findings about T1D in the U.S.​

The prevalence of type 1 diabetes is increasing across all populations, most significantly among Hispanic youth.

Recent T1D breakthroughs

2022

Healthcare provider holding a vial of teplizumab (Tzield), the first FDA-approved disease-modifying therapy for type 1 diabetes

First disease-modifying therapy for T1D approved by FDA

<br>Backed by Breakthrough T1D, Tzield<sup>®</sup>, the first therapy to delay the requirement of insulin therapy for T1D, is approved by the FDA. 

Read More About This Groundbreaking Therapy

2024

Project ACT Cell Therapies

Project ACT launches

Project ACT (Accelerate Cell Therapies) is launched to speed up cell therapy research projects, advocacy work, and clinical adoption.

Learn More About Project ACT

2025

Young girl with type 1 diabetes shows off her new Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes

Debut of Barbie with type 1 diabetes

Breakthrough T1D, in partnership with Mattel, debuted the first Barbie with type 1 diabetes, raising awareness for the T1D community.

Learn More About Barbie With Type 1 Diabetes
Image of box of insulin pens

Civica long-acting insulin available in 2026

Civica Rx, a Breakthrough T1D-funded non-profit insulin manufacturer, announced affordable insulin at no more than $55 for five pens of long-acting insulin.

Read More About Civica

Since our founding in 1970, Breakthrough T1D has played a critical role in every major type 1 diabetes milestone.

Insurance coverage for people with T1D in the U.S.

Other & Uninsured: 8
Medicaid: 13
Medicare: 28
Commercial Health Plans: 46
Navy
Commercial Health Plans
Blue
Medicare
Cyan
Medicaid
Opal
Other & Uninsured

T1D technology use in the U.S.*

Treatments and technology for type 1 diabetes—including continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pumps—have improved quality of life, but access to coverage and adoption is limited.

*Between 2021-2023

Continuous glucose monitors (CGM)

Insulin pumps

Insulin pump utilization has become more prevalent in the U.S. Research shows pumps are less common among people of color with T1D and among people with government insurance coverage.

Our mission to drive toward cures while improving lives

500+
Active T1D research projects funded to improve health outcomes
300
Cell therapy research projects funded to accelerate progress toward cures
$1.2 billion+
Amount invested from 2019-2025 directed to cure T1D and improve lives with the majority—approximately 82%—focused on cures.
$50 billion+
Government savings in healthcare costs thanks to the bipartisan-supported and Breakthrough T1D-championed federal Special Diabetes Program (SDP).
Screening
Global screening and early detection program to identify the condition in its early stages before insulin therapy is required.

With your support, we are creating a movement to change life with T1D, advancing breakthroughs on the way to cures.