Not many things in life can be truly motivating. Most of us would agree, however, that money is one of them. Who doesn't want to save some money? Believe it or not, managing your diabetes will cost you less.
A report from the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists revealed that poorly managed type 2 diabetes costs the U.S. health care system an extra $22.9 billion each year. This is above and beyond the $37 billion per year that is spent just on treating diabetes. Annually, health care costs for a person with diabetes are three times more than those for a person without diabetes.
So what does this mean for you? Complications from diabetes cost almost $10,000 per year. Of this, an estimated $1,600 per year is not covered by insurance and so must be paid out of pocket. Annual health care costs per person for complications of type 2 diabetes include:
- Heart attack: $14,150
- Chronic kidney disease: $9,002
- Congestive heart failure: $7,932
- Stroke: $7,806
- Coronary heart disease: $6,062
- Foot problems: $4,687
- Eye damage: $1,785
Do you want to save money? Control your diabetes and you will. Controlling your diabetes means controlling your glucose levels, as well as following up with your health care team. You are in control of both your diabetes and your finances.
