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A new study demonstrated that even a small percentage of weight
loss could lower health care costs among people with type
2 diabetes. Data from the study, titled "Short Term Economic
Impact of Weight Change Among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes,"
were presented today at the 66th Annual Scientific Sessions
of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in Washington,
DC. The study was funded by an unrestricted research grant
from Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Eli Lilly and Company
to Analysis Group, Inc.
The study, which included data gathered from an HMO claims
database between 1997 - 2005, showed that study participants
with diabetes who experienced 1 percent weight loss decreased
their average health care costs by 3.6 percent over the 12
months following the weight loss, or approximately $256. Results
were even more significant among patients considered obese
(BMI greater than or equal to 30). For this group, a 1 percent
weight loss was associated with a 5.6 percent decrease in
health care costs, or approximately $408.
An estimated 30 percent of U.S. adults aged 20 years and
older -- over 60 million people -- are obese and an estimated
194 million adults worldwide and almost 21 million in the
United States have diabetes. Approximately 90 to 95 percent
of those affected have type 2 diabetes, a condition characterized
by progressive failure of beta cells to produce appropriate
levels of insulin, coupled with the body's inability to respond
normally to insulin. Ninety percent of people with type 2
diabetes are considered overweight, and type 2 diabetes occurs
at an earlier age in overweight people.
Source: http://www.usatoday.com
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