Diabetes complications take a heavy toll
An estimated three out of five people with Type 2 diabetes have at least one of the other serious health problems commonly associated with the disease.
Diabetes complications take a heavy tollA report released by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) that looked at the prevalence and cost of Type 2 diabetes complications revealed that an estimated three out of five people (57.9%) with Type 2 diabetes have at least one of the other serious health problems commonly associated with the disease. The report concludes that these health problems are taking a heavy financial toll on the United States. In 2006, the nation spent an estimated $22.9 billion on direct medical costs related to diabetes complications, according to the report. These complications, which can include heart disease, stroke, eye damage, chronic kidney disease, and foot problems that can lead to amputations, cost a patient with Type 2 diabetes almost $10,000 each year. People with diabetes complications pay nearly $1,600 out of pocket for costs that are not reimbursed by insurance, including co-pays and deductibles.
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