DOC News September 1, 2005
Volume 2 Number 9 p. 1
© 2005 American Diabetes Association
ADA Scientific Sessions Deliver Latest Research
Ideal diabetes management could save $72 billion annually
Bruce Goldfarb
The U.S. economy could save up to $72 billion in medical expenses and other
costs if Americans with diabetes keep their blood glucose levels in line with
current treatment guidelines, according to a study presented at the 65th
Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA), held June
10–14 in San Diego.
The health economic analysis, sponsored by the Minneapolis,
Minn.–based insulin pump maker Medtronic, suggests that lowering
glycated hemoglobin (A1C) to levels recommended by ADA and the American
Association of Clinical Endocrinology in people with type 1 and type 2
diabetes would save $35–$50 billion in direct medical costs, such as
hospitalizations, over a 10-year period.
When indirect cost savings are included, the total savings increase to
$50–$72 billion. Indirect costs of diabetes include lost work time,
premature mortality, and disability.
The U.S. health care savings data come from a predictive analysis that is
part of the Center for Outcomes Research diabetes model.
In 2002, diabetes and its complications were responsible for >$132
billion in annual direct and indirect costs in the U.S., according to a study
published by
ADA.1
References
1. Hogan P, Dall T, Nikolov P, et al.: Economic costs of diabetes in
the U.S. in 2002. Diabetes Care 26: 917–932, 2003.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
CiteULike 
Del.icio.us 
Digg 
Reddit 
Technorati What's this?
