Diabetes in American Samoa: A Growing Concern Across Generations

From the 2018 American Samoa Hybrid Adult Survey, diabetes prevalence increases across the population, with the highest percentages seen among adults ages 45 and older.

Diabetes by Age Group

18–24: 4.3%

25–34: 9.4%

35–44: 12.4%

45–54: 23.3%

55–64: 23%

65+: 27.7%

Diabetes is also the highest reported diagnosis among males and females in American Samoa.

Diagnosis by Male Group

Diabetes: 52.9%

Stroke: 14.7%

High Blood Pressure: 8.8%

Dialysis: 5.9%

Gout: 5.9%

Others: 11.8%

Diagnosis by Female Group

Diabetes: 34.5%

Stroke: 17.2%

High Blood Pressure: 17.2%

Others: 27.6%

The data highlights diabetes as a continuing health concern across the population, while related conditions such as stroke and high blood pressure remain significant among both males and females.

Questions remain around nutrition, home environment, access to healthier food choices, and how individuals are managing diabetes through insulin, medication, or both.

Click here to download the full Fact Sheet.

The data may be from 2018, but the challenge it highlights is not in the past—diabetes continues to affect individuals, families, and communities today.