New York, NY, March 6, 2013—Health economists funded by the American Diabetes Association released an update today of their analysis of the costs of diabetes in the United States, noting an increase in cost of 41 percent, from $174 billion in 2007 to $245 billion in 2012. The analysis points to the rise in diabetes as a catalyst for this alarming increase. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are rising.

“As the leading global organization focused on type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, Breakthrough T1D knows the heavy toll that diabetes places on our nation’s economy, and on all those living with the disease,” said Cynthia Rice, Breakthrough T1D vice president of government relations. “We will not rest until the burdens of T1D have been lifted, and will continue to fund over $100 million in T1D research and advocate tirelessly for federal support of research including renewal of the Special Diabetes Program. “

In 2012, Breakthrough T1D released a study showing that therapies to improve glucose control could save the Medicare program $190 billion over the course of 25 years. Research to cure, treat, and prevent diabetes is not only needed for those living with T1D; it is also pertinent to the long-term fiscal health of our country. A detailed account of Breakthrough T1D’s study, which shows the potential Medicare savings from research advances, can be found here.

About Breakthrough T1D

Breakthrough T1D is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Breakthrough T1D’s goal is to progressively remove the impact of T1D from people’s lives until we achieve a world without T1D. Breakthrough T1D collaborates with a wide spectrum of partners and is the only organization with the scientific resources, regulatory influence, and a working plan to better treat, prevent, and eventually cure T1D.

As the largest charitable supporter of T1D research, Breakthrough T1D is currently sponsoring $530 million in scientific research in 17 countries. In 2012 alone, Breakthrough T1D provided more than $110 million to T1D research. More than 80 percent of Breakthrough T1D’s expenditures directly support research and research-related education. In 2012 Forbes magazine named Breakthrough T1D one of its five All-Star charities, citing the organization’s efficiency and effectiveness.