Analysis of impact of diabetes mellitus in Arkansas and U.S

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by abnormally high blood glucose levels. Today, about 15 % of the population has been diagnosed with diabetes in Arkansas. Nationally, diabetes affects about 8.7% of the population and is a leading cause of death in adults. An analysis of the impact of diabetes to Arkansas and the U.S over the years could elucidate significant trends and factors that could aid in combating and reducing the economic effects of this devastating disease. Trends in the utilization of health care services by studying health care costs and hospital utilization of diabetes patients with and without complications was examined both at the state and national level between the years 2006 and 2018. A high level of hospitalizations was seen in the age groups of 18--44 yrs and 45--64 yrs compared to the other age groups both in diabetes patients with and without complications in Arkansas and U.S. Levels of hospital use were higher among females in Arkansas while it was higher in men in the U.S. The prevalence of diabetes with complications shows an increasing trend in younger adults while the prevalence of diabetes without complications shows an increase in children and adolescents over the last few years. An increase in hospital costs is seen overall for patients with diabetes.