The truth is that most of the direct costs of diabetes result from its complications. And, if the predicted increase in the number of persons with complications takes place, the implications for the health services will be grave. Research has shown that hospital admission is the major cost factor for the health-care sector. The solution is to be found in promoting increased awareness of diabetes and improved self-care for those living with the condition. In this way, the need for hospital stays could be reduced significantly, thus enabling scant resources to be dedicated to other aspects of diabetes care.
Primary prevention protects susceptible individuals from developing diabetes.
It has an impact by reducing both the need for diabetes care and the need to treat diabetic complications. A reliable example of this measure is a study undertaken among a susceptible population in China. This type of measure is easy and low-cost and can be used in even the poorest regions of the world and when resources are limited. Secondary prevention includes early detection, prevention and treatment. Appropriate action taken at the right time is beneficial in terms of quality of life, and is very cost-effective, especially if it can prevent hospital admission.