The Cost of Diabetes Care can be Tough

Larry Greenblatt, MD

Living with diabetes in the United States is very expensive, according to a recent study. People who have diabetes spend a lot more money on their health care than people who don't have diabetes. The study found that those with Type 1 diabetes spend about $25,700 a year on their health, including more than $2,000 that comes out of their own pockets. People with Type 2 diabetes also face high costs, with total expenses over $22,400 a year and out-of-pocket costs around $1,500.

The study highlights a big problem: when people have to pay so much for their health care, they might not be able to follow their treatment plans properly. This is dangerous because not managing diabetes well can lead to serious health issues later on. The researchers, including lead statistician Evan Reynolds, used data from a national health insurance database to look at costs from 2009 to 2018. They noticed that costs are going up for everyone, but people with Type 1 diabetes are especially feeling the pressure with higher out-of-pocket expenses.

A major reason for these high costs is the price of diabetes medications, especially insulin. These prices have been going up, making it harder for people to afford their necessary treatments. The study also points out that the cost of supplies needed to manage diabetes, like syringes and test strips, is increasing for people with Type 1 diabetes.

The study's authors are worried about the impact of these high costs on patients' health. They say that when medical expenses get too high, it can hurt patients' physical and mental health. This situation, known as "financial toxicity," can make it hard for people to afford preventive health care, which is crucial for managing diabetes effectively. The researchers are calling for changes to make diabetes care more affordable, emphasizing the need to lower the price of insulin and other diabetes medications.

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