Diabetes Financial Impact Study: Socioeconomic Profile
Type 2 Diabetes carries a Notable financial Burden, New Study Reveals
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Economic Evaluation Highlights Disparities in Financial Well-being for Patients with T2D
A recent economic evaluation study has shed light on the ample financial challenges faced by individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Researchers analyzed electronic health records linked with credit adn employment data for adults in Ohio, revealing that T2D is associated with poorer financial outcomes compared to individuals without the condition. The findings underscore the critical need for healthcare providers to address the social determinants of health, including financial stability, when managing patients with T2D.
Study Methodology and Participant Demographics
The complete study examined data from 166,285 adults aged 18 and older who had at least one medical encounter at a primary care health center in Ohio between October 1, 2017, and December 31, 2021. To be included, participants needed a recorded glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) value, a diagnostic code for T2D, or a prescription for antidiabetic medications.
The participant pool had a mean age of 52.3 years, with 55.0% identifying as female and 45.0% as male.The racial breakdown was as follows: 0.2% American Indian/Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, 3.5% Asian, 19.1% Black, and 73.2% White, with 0.8% identifying as multiracial. Of the total cohort, 69,371 individuals were diagnosed with T2D.
Financial Disparities Identified
The research aimed to quantify the financial burden of T2D by comparing individuals with the diagnosis to those without, as determined by blood tests. The analysis revealed significant financial disparities:
Income and Employment: A striking 50.8% of the analyzed group reported no earned income. For individuals with T2D, a higher percentage had no wage earnings at baseline (65.1%) compared to those without diabetes (40.6%). Moreover, among those with earnings, individuals with T2D earned less on average ($11,477 vs. $15,400). Healthcare Coverage: While 32.6% of the total participants were covered by Medicare, the study noted that individuals with diabetes were generally older, which frequently enough correlates with Medicare eligibility. Demographic Differences: Individuals with T2D were, on average, older and less frequently female or of Hispanic ethnicity. Notably, a higher percentage of individuals with diabetes were Black.
addressing the Financial Toll of T2D
The study’s findings strongly suggest that T2D is linked to more adverse financial outcomes. This highlights a crucial area for intervention within healthcare settings.
“Finances are a major challenge for many of the patients I treat, so much so that we are asking them questions around what we call the social determinants of health in our patient visits,” stated Joseph, a contributor to the study, in a news release.
The implications for healthcare providers,notably pharmacists,are significant. The research emphasizes the importance of not only identifying patients with T2D but also understanding their financial circumstances.
“Our results really speak to the importance of screening diabetes patients for finances and debt issues,” Joseph added. “But beyond screening, we also need to ensure they have access to resources in the community that can help them to ultimately improve their financial situations. It is critical for their health and well-being.”
By integrating financial assessments and connecting patients with community resources, healthcare professionals can play a vital role in mitigating the financial burden associated with T2D, thereby improving overall patient health and quality of life.
References
- Pesavento M, Loibl C, Moulton S, et al. Type 2 Diabetes and Financial Outcomes. JAMA Netw Open.* 2025; 8 (7): E2523453. DOI: 10.1001/JamanetWorkOPen.2025.23453
- A financial toll on patients with type 2 diabetes.EurekAlert!. News release.July 28, 2025. Accessed July 29, 2025. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1092484