Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and is triggered when insulin imbalances occur in the body. The cause could be insulin resistance, insufficient insulin production or even both. In Australia, type 2 diabetes is found in more than 85% of the people afflicted with diabetes.

External factors that can heighten the risk of developing type 2 diabetes include obesity, unhealthy dietary choices and an inactive lifestyle. Among these, obesity is known to be the major contributor for the condition and if controlled effectively may help in reducing the incidence of type 2 diabetes greatly. Currently, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes is recorded at being 3 times higher in obese people then those who are at a normal weight.

Typically the condition is diagnosed after the age of 40, but may appear earlier as well. The disease has a strong familial disposition and in many cases genetics are to blame. However, its progression can be controlled by adapting a healthier lifestyle including better diet and regular exercise. For those who may not be able to control their blood glucose levels within the normal range, they will need to go on medication later.

The costs associated with type 2 diabetes treatment can vary across several fronts. Based on the stage of the disease and its relevant complications, the costs incurred by patients can be substantial. For patients who suffer from type 2 diabetes, without any associated complications, the average annual health care costs can come up to $4,025. If there are any microvascular complications involved, then the cost can go up to $7,025 per patient per year.

More complications means more expensive treatment options, so patient with type 2 diabetes experiencing macrovascular complications alone may have to foot an annual bill of around $9,055 per year. But if the disease is at a stage where both micro and macrovascular complications are involved, then health care expenses can reach an amount of $9,645 for a single patient every year.

Direct health care costs that patients of type 2 diabetes face include inpatient as well as outpatient medical services with inpatient health care taking the largest percentage of direct costs. Inpatient expenses rounded up to 32% of all direct health costs for such patients while outpatient services were limited to 7% of all direct health costs. The second biggest cost component for such individuals was medication needed to pursue their treatment. Such other medication amounted to a substantial 26% of all direct health care costs.

Other direct health care expenses included primary as well as specialist care along with insulin, diabetes consumables and OHA – oral hypoglycaemic agents.

Certain other costs referred to as direct non health care costs for type 2 diabetes patients include home support, the cost of nursing homes or day/hostel care, transport expenses as well as what they have to pay for special food.

Another segment of expenses faced by type 2 diabetes patients can be indirect costs which include elements such as annual lost wages due to their condition.

References:

1. New diabetes management booklet: http://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/Documents/DA/What%27s%20New/12.03.14%20Diabetes%20management%20booklet%20FINAL.pdf