Diabetes : complications and the economic burden

Meetoo, D

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM), a chronic metabolic disorder, has been recognised as a major public health problem with far-reaching consequences not just for its adverse impact on the health of people affected by this condition, but also for the economic burden it places on the healthcare system. To reduce cost, it is imperative that diabetes management aims to achieve optimal glucose control to minimise the risk of long-term complications and to enable the person with diabetes to lead a good quality of life. This is often achieved through the use of a vast array of lifestyle and pharmaceutical interventions designed to prevent and control hyperglycaemia. However, evidence asserts not maintaining blood glucose within a normal range can result in chronic hyperglycaemia. This in turn leads to the development of micro and macrovascular complications. Such complications incur additional indirect costs to patients, employers and society due to absence from work caused by sickness and early retirement.

Citation

Meetoo, D. (2014). Diabetes : complications and the economic burden. British Journal of Healthcare Management, 20(2), 60-67. https://doi.org/10.12968/bjhc.2014.20.2.60

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Online Publication Date: Feb 19, 2014
• Publication Date: Feb 19, 2014
• Deposit Date: Oct 31, 2016
• Journal: British Journal of Healthcare Management
• Print ISSN: 1358-0574
• Publisher: MA Healthcare
• Volume: 20
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 60-67
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.12968/bjhc.2014.20.2.60
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.12968/bjhc.2014.20.2.60