The high costs of treating chronic disease is arguably one of the most pressing issues facing our country, as legislators tackle healthcare reform. Now, a new study predicts the number of people with diabetes is expected to double over the next 25 years.
Researchers predict by the year 2034 just over 44 million people will have diabetes, that's up from 23.7 million today. The study released friday, also warns the cost of treating people with will triple, soaring to an estimated $336 billion.
According to the study's author, in 2034 half of all direct spending on diabetes care will be coming from the medicare population. They say reasons for the dramatic increase in the number of cases stems from an aging population and continued high rates of obesity, both risk factors for Type 2 diabetes.
It's been argued that previous forecasts by the government have underestimated what is happening with the disease.
Researchers predict by the year 2034 just over 44 million people will have diabetes, that's up from 23.7 million today. The study released friday, also warns the cost of treating people with will triple, soaring to an estimated $336 billion.
According to the study's author, in 2034 half of all direct spending on diabetes care will be coming from the medicare population. They say reasons for the dramatic increase in the number of cases stems from an aging population and continued high rates of obesity, both risk factors for Type 2 diabetes.
It's been argued that previous forecasts by the government have underestimated what is happening with the disease.
