Cost To The Economy
Diabetes is an expensive condition to manage not only for individuals but also for the United States healthcare system. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the estimated total economic cost of diabetes in 2007 was almost $200 billion. Specifically the money was spent on:
- Medical expenditures totaling $116 billion
- Diabetes care: $27 billion
- Chronic diabetes-related complications: $58 billion
- Additional general medical costs: $31 billion
Costs To The Individual
In addition to these direct costs, factor in indirect costs for things such as missed days of work, reduced productivity, disease-related unemployment/disability and early mortality at a cost of $58 billion. The almost $200 billion in spending related to diabetes in 2007 was a 32 percent increase over 2002 spending. At the individual patient level, yearly healthcare costs for a person with diabetes is approximately $11,700 with 57% (approximately $6,650) attributed to diabetes care.
The ADA offers these additional financial statistics:
- On average, diagnosed diabetics have medical costs almost 2 and a half times those of non-diabetics.
- Diagnosed diabetics make up 5.8 percent of the total U.S. population.
- 24.3 million days were spent in the hospitals in 2007 for diabetes-related reasons compared to 16.9 million days in 2002.
- 445,000 cases of unemployment disability in 2007 were attributed to diabetes.
What Is Your Cost Of Care?
Now that you have an idea of the bigger picture, do you know the annual cost of managing your diabetes? Calculate your total budget in less than 5 minutes by entering facts about the products you use to manage your care. This unique Cost Savings Tool will give you the full picture of what you’re spending on diabetes care and provide personalized ways you can save money without sacrificing your health. If you are already a member of the Diabetes1 community, you will have the option to compare your results with the results of other members.
Financial Tips And Money Saving Strategies 
Worried about your financial future? Read these articles for tips and money-saving strategies to help keep your wallet full.
Diabetic Debt: Savvy Strategies for Saving Money
The Cost of Diabetes Healthcare: Crunching the Numbers
Children and Diabetes: Figuring Out Financing
Staying Covered: Health Insurance Now and Later
Retiring with Diabetes: Are You Ready?
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