This indicator shows the average annual age-adjusted emergency room visit rate due to long-term complications of diabetes per 10,000 population aged 18 years and older. Long-term complications of diabetes may include heart disease, stroke, blindness, amputations, kidney disease, and nerve damage. Cases of gestational diabetes were excluded.

The prevalence of diagnosed type 2 diabetes increased sixfold in the latter half of the last century according to the CDC. Diabetes risk factors such as obesity and physical inactivity have played a major role in this dramatic increase. Age, race, and ethnicity are also important risk factors. The CDC estimates the direct economic cost of diabetes in the United States to be about $100 billion per year. This figure does not take into account the indirect economic costs attributable to potential work time lost to diabetes- related illness or premature death. In response to this public health challenge, Healthy People 2020 has identified goals that aim to "reduce the disease and economic burden of diabetes, and improve the quality of life for all persons who have or are at risk for diabetes." Goals include improved diabetes education, improved compliance with recommended care and screening procedures, and reduced rates of serious complications such as foot ulcers, amputation, and death.