Number of cases up dramatically
Read more: Local, State, Health, Diabetes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Costs, Health
SYRACUSE --
The increase in the number of diabetes cases in Upstate New York is being called 'staggering'.
Dr. Arthur Vercillo, regional president of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, says 9.8% of adults in Upstate New York have been diagnosed, and that's an increase from 8.2 percent just six years ago. Central New York does slightly better, 9.3% (77,000 adults) but the numbers still translate into high healthcare costs:
One in five health care dollars goes to diabetes-related treatment. It is the leading cause of new blindness, kidney disease, and lower extremity amputation (because of circulation problems it creates), and is also a factor in heart disease and stroke.
Dr. Vercillo says exercise and better diet would cut down on obesity, a major cause. And, early detection would also make both medication and treatment less drastic and less costly. For those living with the disease, average medical costs are 2.3 higher than for those without diabetes.
For the full report and much more information: www.excellusbcbs.com and click on Health Policy and Research.
