WASHINGTON, D.C. – Co-Chair of the House Diabetes Caucus Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO) issued the following comments today on newly released figures from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) showing an increase in economic costs of diabetes in 2007.  At an estimated $174 billion annually, costs associated with diabetes have risen 32% since last evaluated in 2002.  The per capita annual health care cost for people with diabetes was $11,744, of which $6,649 (57%) can be attributed directly to diabetes.

“For the first time in five years we have new information about the devastating toll diabetes is taking on our country.  Direct medical costs are a staggering $116 billion and indirect costs account for another $58 billion.  Diabetes is quickly becoming a public health crisis illustrating the importance of focusing on prevention as well as aggressive disease management.

“The skyrocketing costs reinforce the importance of investing resources in primary prevention and research efforts, such as the Special Diabetes Programs for Indians and Type 1 Research.  The fact that one in five health care dollars is spent caring for individuals with diabetes, and that one in ten health care dollars is directly attributed to diabetes, means that continued investment in cutting edge research and treatment, such as the Special Diabetes Programs, is vital to reducing the economic toll of diabetes both on individuals and the economy.”

Representative DeGette is co-chair of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus along with Representative Michael Castle (R-DE).  Formed in 1996, the caucus currently consists of almost 250 Members, making it one of the largest and most powerful caucuses in Congress.  The Diabetes Caucus serves to educate Members and staff about diabetes as well as to support legislative activities that would improve diabetes research, education, and treatment. 

Legislative priorities for the Diabetes Caucus include:

•    The “Diabetes Prevention Access and Care Act of 2007.”  The Diabetes Prevention Access and Care Act is designed to promote research, treatment, and education regarding diabetes in minority populations.  This specific focus will help address the unique challenges faced by minority populations and provide more effective treatment and education. 

•    The “Medicare Diabetes Self-Management Training Act of 2007,” which would recognize certified diabetes educators as providers for Medicare diabetes outpatient self-management training services.