|
|
|
|
A study reveals costs have climbed 32% since 2002. Diabetes is costing Americans $174 billion annually, a figure that has increased by 32 percent since 2002, according to a study commissioned by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). The ADA, leaders from the Congressional Diabetes Caucus, and diabetes experts discussed the economic impact of this compelling new data. The study shows that the direct economic costs associated with diabetes have reached unprecedented levels. The cost of medical of care for people with diabetes are estimated to be $116 billion, with a disproportionate percentage of the costs resulting from treatment and hospitalization of people with diabetes-related complications. The findings also suggest that 1 out of every 5 health care dollars is spent caring for someone with diagnosed diabetes. According to Ann L. Albright, PhD, RD, President, Health Care & Education, ADA, "The findings re-affirm that diabetes is a public health crisis and its implications are painful and far reaching. This underscores the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. Diabetes becomes much more costly in financial and human terms when the disease is not properly treated." The study also assessed the economic impact of indirect costs , estimated to be $58 billion when accounting for reduced productivity of both those in the labor force and unpaid workers, unemployment from disease-related disability, and increased absenteeism.
Last year alone, diabetes claimed more than 284,000 lives. Considering that an additional 6 million more people are believed to have diabetes but have not yet been diagnosed, the study estimates that the actual cost of diabetes may greatly exceed $174 billion. Diabetes plagues more than just the individual with the disease. It is common, it is costly, it creates numerous complications, and there is no cure. Until we start reversing current trends, through increased awareness, prevention and aggressive disease management, diabetes will continue to have an adverse impact on our society as a whole," said R. Stewart Perry, Chairman of the Board, ADA. American Diabetes Association Copyright (C) 2008 PR Newswire.
|
|
Return To News & Events
|
|
|
Home
