Diabetes
Diabetes is a huge problem in the US. We're even seeing children now with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes can also be a silent killer. A lack of symptoms can lead to complacency—with dire results.
On average, every day around 30 to 65 people will lose their eyesight to diabetes, and more than 100 people will start treatment for end-stage kidney disease. And it's shocking—more than 200 lower-limb amputations will be undertaken—all because of uncontrolled diabetes.1
The saddest part is that it doesn't have to be this way. We have the tools today to help.2 Recognizing the need to do something, some employers are taking steps to help their workers.
The city of Asheville, North Carolina is an example. The city made it easy for employees to get the medicines they needed and to get counseling from pharmacists to help them learn about and manage their disease. Over time, the employees' health improved and visits to emergency rooms and hospitals declined. People said they felt better. The city managers noticed that overall medical costs dropped—even though spending on prescription medicines increased.2
References
- American Diabetes Association. Complications of diabetes in the United States. Available at: http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-statistics/complications.jsp. Accessed April 25, 2006.
- Cranor CW, Bunting BA, Christensen DB. The Asheville Project: long-term clinical and economic outcomes of a community pharmacy diabetes care program. J Am Pharm Assoc (Wash). 2003;43:173-184.
