New Research from UpWell Health Reveals 45% of People with Diabetes Sometimes Forgo Care Because They Can’t Afford It

Data Reveals the True Costs of Managing Diabetes Extend Far Beyond the Wallet

UpWell Health, a leading provider of healthcare services, support, and solutions for people living with chronic conditions, today released the True Cost of Diabetes, a new report analyzing the impact of diabetes on everyday life.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one in 10 Americans has diabetes – and that number is growing steadily. UpWell surveyed more than 5,000 people living with diabetes and determined a startling fact: 45 percent have gone without diabetes care at times because they couldn’t afford it. What’s more, the “costs” of this chronic health condition are more than just financial, impacting relationships, recreation, employment, mental health, and more.

“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,” said Alison Wistner, CEO of UpWell Health. “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.”

Trends uncovered in the report include:

• Self-care tasks add up
  Many of the chores associated with good diabetes management have to be done over and over again. Forty-one percent of respondents check blood sugar 1-2 times daily, while 29 percent check it 3-5 times every day. Forty-five percent take diabetes medicine twice a day; 24 percent take it 3-4 times daily. Ten percent take four or more diabetes medicines. Twenty-eight percent go to their pharmacy for diabetes needs 2-4 times a month.

• Living with diabetes isn’t cheap
  The American Diabetes Association recently found average diabetes-related medical expenses to be approximately $7,900 per person, per year. Some of those costs are not fully covered by health insurance and some people don’t have insurance. Thirty-four percent of respondents spent $100-$500 of their own money for diabetes doctor care in the past year. Forty-three percent paid up to $1,000 out of pocket in the past year for treating diabetes complications, while 16 percent paid a staggering $1,000-$5,000.

• Diabetes affects more than the person who has it
  Caregivers may feel stressed. Partners may worry about whether their companion is taking proper care of him or herself. Children might not understand when a parent doesn’t feel well and has to cancel a family activity. Coworkers may suspect a colleague with diabetes isn’t pulling his or her share of the workload. The list goes on. Thirty-seven percent of respondents said diabetes has harmed relationships with loved ones, friends, or coworkers. More than half (55 percent) missed work in the past year because of diabetes, while 38 percent had to give up hobbies, activities, or other interests.

Report Methodology
The True Cost of Diabetes was conducted in October 2017 among 5,255 individuals in the U.S. To learn more about the True Cost of Diabetes, click here or follow UpWell on Twitter or LinkedIn.

About UpWell Health
UpWell Health is on a mission to simplify life for the nearly 133 million people in the U.S. living with chronic conditions. By working directly with physicians, pharmacies, and insurance companies, UpWell ensures that members receive the right prescriptions and medical supplies at the right time. Established in 2017 and headquartered in Salt Lake City, the company provides medications, products, and services to enable treatment adherence. In addition, UpWell’s condition-specific online social networks connect patients and caregivers, fostering engagement, peer support, and knowledge sharing. By providing holistic healthcare services, community support, and solutions, UpWell makes living with a chronic condition easier so its members can lead more empowered lives. Learn more at www.UpWell.com.

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PAN Communications
Matthew Briggs, 617-502-4300
upwell@pancomm.com

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