Economic Costs Of Diabetes On The Rise

January 24, 2008

DeGette Says We Must Focus on Prevention and Disease Management

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Co-Chair of the House Diabetes CaucusCongresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO) issued the following comments todayon newly released figures from the American Diabetes Association (ADA)showing an increase in economic costs of diabetes in 2007. At anestimated $174 billion annually, costs associated with diabetes haverisen 32% since last evaluated in 2002. The per capita annual healthcare cost for people with diabetes was $11,744, of which $6,649 (57%)can be attributed directly to diabetes.

"For the first time in five years we have new information about thedevastating toll diabetes is taking on our country. Direct medicalcosts are a staggering $116 billion and indirect costs account foranother $58 billion. Diabetes is quickly becoming a public healthcrisis illustrating the importance of focusing on prevention as well asaggressive disease management.

"The skyrocketing costs reinforce the importance of investing resourcesin primary prevention and research efforts, such as the SpecialDiabetes Programs for Indians and Type 1 Research. The fact that onein five health care dollars is spent caring for individuals withdiabetes, and that one in ten health care dollars is directlyattributed to diabetes, means that continued investment in cutting edgeresearch and treatment, such as the Special Diabetes Programs, is vitalto reducing the economic toll of diabetes both on individuals and theeconomy."

Representative DeGette is co-chair of the Congressional Diabetes Caucusalong with Representative Michael Castle (R-DE). Formed in 1996, thecaucus currently consists of almost 250 Members, making it one of thelargest and most powerful caucuses in Congress. The Diabetes Caucusserves to educate Members and staff about diabetes as well as tosupport legislative activities that would improve diabetes research,education, and treatment.

Legislative priorities for the Diabetes Caucus include:

• The "Diabetes Prevention Access and Care Act of 2007." TheDiabetes Prevention Access and Care Act is designed to promoteresearch, treatment, and education regarding diabetes in minoritypopulations. This specific focus will help address the uniquechallenges faced by minority populations and provide more effectivetreatment and education.

• The "Medicare Diabetes Self-Management Training Act of 2007,"which would recognize certified diabetes educators as providers forMedicare diabetes outpatient self-management training services.