A newly-published report from UpWell Health found that nearly half of Americans with diabetes have skipped medical care at times because they couldn’t afford it.
The 5,000-person survey showed that diabetes doesn’t just take a financial toll on people’s lives – it can impact their relationships, too; 37% of respondents reported that diabetes has harmed relationships with loved ones and co-workers.
The American Diabetes Association reported this year that the average person with diabetes incurs $7,900 each year in diabetes-related medical expenses. While some of those costs are covered by insurance, 43% of UpWell Health’s survey respondents reported paying up to $1,000 out-of-pocket in the past year.
The company’s report also found that more than half of the respondents missed work in the past year thanks to diabetes and nearly four in 10 had to give up their hobbies or activities.
“The report shines a light on the impact diabetes can have on one’s lifestyle and amplifies the real disconnect that often exists between physicians, pharmacists, insurance providers, and patients, which can lead to patient frustration and further disease progression,” UpWell Health CEO Alison Wistner said in prepared remarks.
“There is a tremendous opportunity to simplify chronic care management by giving patients the ability and resources to obtain their medications and adhere to their prescription plan. We feel that doing so will help people live simpler, healthier, and more empowered lives,” Wistner added.
