Diabetes continues to drag down US healthcare

As we grapple with a growing healthcare crisis driven, in part, by skyrocketing diabetes treatment costs, a study conducted by the CDC projects a potential 700% increase in the number of people under the age of 20 diagnosed with type 2 diabetes by 2060. Today, diabetes is the most expensive chronic condition in America, with estimates suggesting that $1 out of $4 in healthcare is spent on diabetes.

It’s challenging to pinpoint an exact percentage of type 2 diabetes cases solely attributed to poor diet, as multiple factors contribute to the development of this condition. Type 2 diabetes is a complex disease influenced by a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors, but in the U.S., It’s getting out of control.

The total annual cost of diabetes in 2022 is $412.9 billion, including $306.6 billion in direct medical costs and $106.3 billion in indirect costs. People with diagnosed diabetes now account for one of every four healthcare dollars spent in the U.S.

Poor diet and unhealthy eating habits are recognized as significant contributors to the development of type 2 diabetes. Diets high in refined sugars, saturated and trans fats, and low fiber are associated with an increased risk of developing this condition. Additionally, excess body weight, particularly abdominal obesity, is a well-established…