Authors
S Vasudevan, Additional Professor, Department of Urology, Government Medical College, Trivandrum, Kerala; Associate Editor, Kerala Medical Journal
Abstract
Background: The cost of diabetes care is rising exponentially, significantly impacting healthcare systems and individuals. In the US, the American Diabetes Association estimated a 41% increase in costs over five years, with diagnosed diabetics incurring nearly $13,700 annually, approximately 2.3 times more than non-diabetics.
Key Findings: Medical expenditures are dominated by hospital inpatient care (43%), medications for complications (18%), and anti-diabetes drugs (12%). Indirect costs include lost productivity and early mortality. Uninsured patients experience fewer physician visits and prescriptions but more emergency room visits. Comprehensive data on the economic burden of diabetes in India is limited.
Prevention and Management: Given that diabetes care accounts for nearly 20% of health spending, prevention strategies are crucial. Patient education and structured lifestyle modification programs prove cost-effective by delaying disease onset and progression. Furthermore, poor diabetes management accelerates microvascular and macrovascular complications, leading to severe organ damage and escalating costs. Prompt and appropriate care, alongside robust health education, is essential to contain expenditures and improve patient outcomes.