INADEQUATE TYPE 2 DIABETES CARE IN THE U.S.: PREVALENCE, CHARACTERISTICS, AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2D) stands as an escalating epidemic in the United States (US), affecting over 30 million diagnosed individuals, with an additional 34% of the adult population deemed prediabetic. This pervasive health issue not only leads to a 10-year reduction in life expectancy upon diagnosis but also incurs an additional $9,600 in direct medical costs per diabetes patient. The imperative to address T2D lies not only in the financial burden but also in the potential complications that arise due to inadequate management. Diabetes-related complications encompass both microvascular (nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy) and macroscopic (heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease) complications, posing significant risks to individuals with T2D. The severity of these risks is underscored by the fact that people with T2D face twice the likelihood of mortality from cardiovascular disease compared to those without T2D. Hence, effective T2D management necessitates not only glycemic control but also vigilant screening and treatment of diabetes-related complications. This abstract synthesizes the alarming statistics and healthcare implications associated with T2D in the US. The escalating prevalence, coupled with the substantial economic and health burdens, underscores the urgency for comprehensive T2D management strategies. By delving into the array of complications linked to T2D, from microvascular to macroscopic, the abstract emphasizes the multifaceted nature of the risks associated with poor T2D management. Beyond glycemic control, it emphasizes the critical role of screening and timely intervention to mitigate diabetes-related complications and improve overall health outcomes for individuals with T2D