Direct Cost Of
Diabetes Has Doubled Since 1997
posted 04/25/03
The annual direct cost of diabetes in the United States more than doubled
between 1997 and 2002, Tommy G. Thompson also announced there are over 17
million people with diabetes and another 16 million with PreDiabetes at a press
briefing.
In a cost survey conducted by the Lewin Group for the American Diabetes Association (ADA), annual direct diabetes-related medical costs rose from $44 billion in 1997 to $91.8 billion in 2002. Total costs, which factor in lost productivity, were $132 billion in 2002, up from $98 billion in 1997 (Diabetes Care 26[3]:917-32, 2003).
“This study reveals the staggering burden of diabetes upon our society,” Mr. Thompson said, noting that nearly 17 million Americans—or 1 in 20—now have type 2 diabetes. And at least 16 million more have “prediabetes,” a term introduced last year by federal health officials and the ADA to denote individuals at high risk for developing the disease.
“Even more frightening, about one-third of the 17 million don't know they have diabetes, so the true cost is probably much higher than the $132 billion,” he said.
The study, which used data from several sources, was funded by the ADA, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, and at least 15 manufacturers of diabetes medications and supplies.
The $92 billion figure was derived from the excess costs incurred by people with diabetes above what would be expected from a nondiabetic population. Of that total, 25% ($23 billion) was for diabetes costs alone, 27% ($25 billion) was for treatment of seven major diabetes-related complications (including cardiovascular, neurologic, peripheral vascular, renal, and ophthalmic conditions), and 48% ($44 billion) was for other “general medical conditions” among patients with diabetes.
Inpatient (hospital and nursing home) costs comprised 41% of the total; outpatient care, 15%; and outpatient medication and supplies, 13%.
According to the ADA, projections from U.S. Census data suggest that the national cost of diabetes could grow to $156 billion by 2010 (in 2002 dollars) and to $192 billion by 2020. The figure for 2020 includes $138 billion for direct medical costs and $54 billion for indirect costs due to lost productivity. The actual cost could be even higher if the prevalence of diabetes continues to grow along with the prevalence of obesity, the ADA noted in the published article.
But Mr. Thompson is determined to prevent that from happening. “I personally, absolutely refuse to accept the spread of diabetes. … Type 2 diabetes is a preventable disease,” he said, describing several federal initiatives that are now aimed at reversing the current trends.
The National Diabetes Education Program (www.ndep.nih.gov), has launched “Small Steps, Big Rewards,” a program aimed at translating the results of last year's landmark Diabetes Prevention Program trial for use by health care providers and the public. The study found that relatively small increases in physical activity and moderate weight loss can prevent type 2 diabetes (N. Engl. J. Med 346[6]:393-403, 2002).
The HHS is seeking proposals for 3-year capitated disease management demonstration projects. Under the auspices of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, health care organizations will receive funding to offer tailored health plans for Medicare beneficiaries with chronic conditions such as diabetes, stroke, or congestive heart failure. “Providers will now have a financial interest in the health of their patients, not the quantity of their services,” Mr. Thompson said.
Source: Diabetes In Control Dot Com.
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