The BCBS Health Index measures health in almost every American county and examines how over 200 diseases and conditions impact longevity and quality of life. The index includes data from over 40 million commercially insured Americans.
The “health impact” of a disease is the degree to which it reduces favorable health, accounting for years lost due to the risk of premature death and the disabling effects of the disease.
Here are five key findings from the BCBS Health Index.
1. Diabetes accounts for 9.3 percent of the health impact of over 200 conditions analyzed nationally, which is more than COPD, breast cancer and asthma combined.
2. The health impact of diabetes is growing fastest among people 18 to 34 years old.
3. The national prevalence rate of diabetes is 7 percent.
4. The Southeast region of the U.S. has the highest health impact from diabetes as well as the highest prevalence. The Mountain region has the lowest health impact with the fewest diabetes diagnoses.
5. The cost of treating diabetes per member per year is ranges from $137 to $750.
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