Complications
Heart disease and stroke – People with diabetes are at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Approximately three-quarters of people with diabetes die of some form of heart or blood vessel disease.
Eye problems affect up to 80 percent of patients with diabetes for more than 10 years and can result in blindness. Research shows that 90 percent of new cases could be reduced with proper treatment and monitoring.
Kidney disease occurs when the kidneys are no longer able to function on their own from kidney damage that can result in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Diabetes is the leading cause of ESRD. Patients with ESRD must receive dialysis regularly, which is costly and decreases the quality of life. Treating a single patient with ESRD in North Dakota costs more than $43,000 per year.
Nervous system disease can lead to amputations. The most common form affects the feet and legs. Research shows the incidence of a lower-limb amputation is eight times higher in diabetics 45 and older than non-diabetics 45 and older.
Refer to CDC’s National Diabetes Fact Sheet 2011 for more information about complications.
Cost of Diabetes – Economic and Health-Related
- Diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death in North Dakota in 2009.
- Diabetes cost North Dakota $400 million in 2007.
- The average patient with diabetes costs more than $10,000 per year.
- The hardship placed upon a family dealing with diabetes is immeasurable in dollars.
