Kaiser reports that the cost of diabetes medications in the United States grew to $12.5 billion in 2007 from $6.7 billion in 2001 — an increase of 87 percent. According to a new study:
…the average cost of diabetes medications increased to $76 in 2007 from $56 in 2001. In addition, the study found that more patients received multiple prescriptions for diabetes medications … According to the study, 82% of patients in 1994 received only one diabetes medication, compared with 47% of patients in 2007…
Caleb Alexander, a co-author of the study, said it is unclear whether the increases in treatment and associated costs are actually yielding additional health benefits.
On a more positive note, Kaiser also reports that metformin, a generic diabetes medication that has been around for many years, might reduce heart disease risk. More about this here.
[...] of diabetes – we’re paying a lot more over the last few [...]
The rising cost of healthcare is one of the main reasons that preventative health is so important.
All forms of diabetes have been treatable since insulin became available in 1921, and type 2 diabetes may be controlled with medications. Insulin and some oral medications can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugars), which can be dangerous if severe. Both types 1 and 2 are chronic conditions that cannot be cured. Pancreas transplants have been tried with limited success in type 1 DM; gastric bypass surgery has been successful in many with morbid obesity and type 2 DM. Gestational diabetes usually resolves after delivery.”;
Au revoir