Medical costs for diabetes care increased by an estimated 26% between 2012 and 2017, according to a study published by the American Diabetes Association. Adjusting for both inflation and growth in diabetes prevalence, the excess medical cost per person with diabetes grew by 14% from $8,417 to $9,601 in 2017 dollars. Care for people diagnosed with diabetes acccounts for 1 in 4 healthcare dollars spent in the United States.
Indirect costs of diabetes, such as reduced employment by those who have diabetes, presenteeism in the workplace and premature death, are estimated at $89.9 billion. These costs grew by 23% during the 2012-17 time period.
The inflation adjusted total cost of diabetes increased from $261 billion in 2012 to $327 billion in 2017, which is comprised of $237 billion in direct medical costs and $90 billion in reduced productivity.
