74 per cent rise in prediabetes called alarming
There has been a 74 per cent increase in the economic burden of prediabetes in the United States over the last five years.
A study, published in the December issue of Diabetes Care, found the economic burden of diabetes now exceeds more than $322 billion in excess medical costs and lost productivity in 2012.
The study included a state-by-state breakdown of diabetes prevalence and costs, with 86 million adults found to have prediabetes in the US.
What is prediabetes?
Prediabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels are elevated, but not high enough to merit a diagnosis of diabetes.
The results were described as “alarming” in the editorial due to the rise of prediabetes as well as undiagnosed diabetes in which 8.1 million were found to class in that group.
The 74 per cent increase of the cost of prediabetes came to a $44 billion rise over five years, while undiagnosed diabetes rose to 82 per cent ($33 billion) over the same period.
“These statistics underscore the importance of finding ways to reduce the burden of prediabetes and diabetes through better prevention and treatment,” said lead investigator Timothy M. Dall, MS, Managing Director with IHS Life Sciences.
Prediabetes in the UK
Between 2003 and 2011, the prevalence …read more
Source:: News from Diabetes.co.uk