Health Care System Factors for Diabetes Prevalence

Health Care System Factors

Screening for diabetes is generally recommended for people aged 45 and over, although those with a high risk of developing diabetes (e.g., overweight, member of minority racial or ethnic group) may wish to consider screening by age 30, or even earlier. Testing for diabetes is generally covered by insurance. For those without insurance, the American Diabetes Association may be contacted about the availability of low-cost or free screening (801-363-3024). In 2012, the estimated total cost for diabetes in the U.S. was $245 billion. Even undiagnosed diabetes can burden the healthcare system. Undiagnosed diabetes costs the nation about $18 billion a year. Prediabetes is estimated to cost $25 billion (See [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23468086/ ''Economic costs of diabetes in the U.S. in 2012'']).