Naperville homecare expert says state labeled 'hot spot' for cost to treat diabetes patients

A new study conducted by the Institute for Alternative Futures highlighted the top 10 U.S. states that are labeled as "diabetes hot spots," projected to carry the brunt of the epidemic over the next 15 years.

Illinois is one of these 10 “hot spot” state with a projected cost to treat diabetes at a cost of $19.67 billion, affecting 2 million Illinois residents with diabetes.

The IAF diabetes model projected that the overall number of people in the United States living with diabetes will increase 64 percent by 2025 to 53.1 million, or 1-in-7 Americans. In turn, the medical and societal cost of diabetes will be almost $514 billion, a 72-percent increase from 2010, IAF said.

The IAF study was based on available national diabetes data, including the recent CDC projections to 2050, as well as population projections.

"This research is alarming, particularly since changes in our lifestyles and diets can control these costs and help prevent a rise in the number of new patients diagnosed with diabetes. I think much of these new costs can be attributed to seniors who are ignoring the treatment regimens outlined by their doctors. We have found that at-home supervision by home aides can help ensure that blood sugars are measured, medications are being taken and diets are controlled,” said Richard Ueberfluss, a physical therapist and owner of Assisting Hands in Naperville.

Visit www.AssistingHandsChicago.com.