Written by Dr. Matthew Capozzi, DPM, FACFAS, CWS (board-certified foot surgeon and wound specialist) · Medically reviewed by the CircuFiber Scientific Advisory Board · Updated: October 27, 2026
The cost of diabetes in the United States averages $16,752 per person per year in medical expenses, about 2.3 times what a person without diabetes spends, according to the American Diabetes Association's 2017 cost analysis. That figure covers insulin and other medications, testing supplies, doctor visits and hospital stays. On top of those direct bills come indirect costs such as lost work days, transportation, home modifications and the emotional toll of managing a chronic disease every day. The cost of diabetes is much more than just personal—it reaches into every corner of society.
Key Takeaways
- Average medical spending for a person with diagnosed diabetes was $16,752 per year, 2.3 times higher than for someone without diabetes (American Diabetes Association, 2017 data).
- Insulin and medications are the largest fast-rising expense. The article's source data show annual insulin costs for patients rising from $2,864 in 2012 to $6,000 in 2022.
- Indirect costs are large too. In 2017, diabetes was linked to an estimated 120 million lost work days and $20 billion in reduced productivity in the United States.
- Costs differ by country. In the United States, patients carry high direct costs; in sub-Saharan Africa a single vial of insulin can cost up to half a month's wages; European healthcare systems spent an estimated $166 billion on diabetes care in 2019.
- You can lower your own cost of diabetes through early detection, choosing an insurance plan that covers diabetes supplies, lifestyle changes that reduce complications, and asking about assistance programs.
How much does diabetes cost per year?
Diabetes costs the average diagnosed person in the United States $16,752 per year in medical expenditures, which is 2.3 times higher than what would be incurred by individuals without diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) report on the economic costs of diabetes in the U.S. in 2017. These direct medical expenses include everything from testing supplies to insulin, medications for controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels, hospital stays, and regular check-ups. It's not just about managing blood sugar levels and regular doctor visits - there are significant costs associated with this chronic condition.
| Medical Expenditure | Average Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Testing Supplies | $1,685 |
| Insulin & Medications | $5,705 |
| Doctor Visits & Hospital Stays | $9,362 |
It's clear that the cost of diabetes extends far beyond medical bills. It's a considerable burden that affects not just individual patients but also their families and society as a whole. The soaring healthcare expenses related to diabetes treatment put a significant strain on public resources; for the national picture, see the CDC 2022 diabetes statistics report and our article on the rising cost of diabetes.
What are the direct costs of diabetes care?
The direct costs of diabetes care are the bills you can see: insulin and other medications, daily testing supplies, and doctor visits or hospital stays. Navigating the financial landscape of diabetes care can feel like a daunting endeavor, so here is what each one means for those living with diabetes.
Insulin and medications
One major expense is medication. Insulin, the life-saving drug that many diabetics depend on, has seen a sharp increase in price over recent years. According to a study cited by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), annual insulin costs for patients rose from $2,864 in 2012 to $6,000 in 2022.
| Year | Annual Insulin Cost |
|---|---|
| 2012 | $2,864 |
| 2022 | $6,000 |
Testing supplies
Then there's the cost of supplies needed to manage diabetes daily such as glucose meters, test strips and lancets. The ADA found that Americans with diabetes spend an average of $500 annually on these supplies alone. Regular monitoring is still worth the expense, because it catches problems early; read why you should check your blood sugar.
Doctor visits and hospital stays
Unfortunately, hospitalizations due to complications are not uncommon among people with diabetes. It's estimated that a single hospital stay could cost upwards of $1,500 even after insurance coverage is taken into account. While these numbers might seem overwhelming it's important not to lose sight of your health amidst all this talk about costs. There are assistance programs available and strategies one can adopt to help mitigate some of these expenses while ensuring their well-being remains a top priority.
What are the indirect costs of diabetes?
The indirect costs of diabetes are the expenses that do not show up on a medical bill: lost wages, home equipment, transportation and emotional strain. Peeling back the curtain on diabetes, we'll find that there's a whole lot more to consider beyond the immediate medical costs. These sneaky expenses often go overlooked, but can significantly impact a person living with diabetes.
Lost productivity and lost wages
Say you're unable to work due to frequent doctor's appointments or you're not feeling well enough because of your condition. That results in lost wages and if it happens regularly, it starts adding up real quick. A study published by the American Diabetes Association estimated the following for people diagnosed with diabetes in 2017 alone:
| Lost Work Days | Reduced Productivity |
|---|---|
| 120 million | $20 billion |
Missing a day at work because you have to visit the doctor, or feeling too unwell to perform tasks efficiently, might not seem like big deals initially but they add up over time.
Home equipment and transportation
Now imagine needing special equipment or modifications around your home due to complications from diabetes. These are additional out-of-pocket expenses that aren't necessarily covered by insurance but are essential for maintaining quality of life. Another aspect is transportation costs associated with regular check-ups and treatment sessions. For folks living in rural areas where healthcare facilities may be miles away, this becomes an even bigger concern.
Emotional toll and the family budget
It's hard to quantify the psychological impact, but dealing with a chronic illness like diabetes can lead to increased stress levels which could potentially spiral into mental health issues such as depression or anxiety over time. Our guides to stress management with diabetes and the diabetes and depression relationship cover this in more depth. There's also an economic ripple effect where families may need to adjust their budget and lifestyle in order to accommodate for these additional expenses related to diabetes care.
- Lost productivity
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Transportation costs
- Emotional distress
These are just some examples of hidden costs associated with diabetes management. By being aware of these indirect costs and planning accordingly, we can better manage our finances and overall health while navigating through our journey with diabetes.
How does the cost of diabetes compare around the world?
The cost of diabetes varies greatly from country to country, largely due to differences in healthcare systems and economies. When we look around the world, it's clear that diabetes isn't just a health crisis—it's a financial one too.
In developed nations like the United States, direct costs such as medical care for diabetes-related complications can be extraordinarily high. According to data from the American Diabetes Association, Americans diagnosed with diabetes incur average medical expenditures of about $16,752 per year—roughly 2.3 times higher than what expenditures would be without diabetes.
In contrast, low-income countries often grapple more with indirect costs related to lost productivity and premature death. For instance, in sub-Saharan Africa where access to insulin is limited and costly—a single vial of insulin can cost up to half a month's wages—the economic impact of untreated or poorly managed diabetes can be devastating. Individuals unable to work due to illness not only suffer personal economic loss but also contribute less economically on a societal level.
| Country | Direct Costs (USD) | Indirect Costs (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| USA | ~$16,752 per person/year | Considerable but challenging to quantify |
| Sub-Saharan Africa | Varies greatly; insulin costs up to half a month’s wages | Significant due primarily to lost productivity |
Meanwhile in Europe, where many countries have universal healthcare systems, patients typically don't bear the brunt of direct medical costs as they do in America. However, governments face substantial expenditure on treating and managing diabetes within their populations. In 2019 alone, European healthcare systems spent an estimated $166 billion on diabetes care. What these global comparisons underscore is that while the face value cost may differ significantly between regions based on various factors—the human cost remains universally high.
How can you reduce the cost of diabetes?
You can reduce the cost of diabetes by catching it early, managing it consistently, choosing insurance that covers diabetes supplies, and making lifestyle changes that lower your risk of expensive complications. Managing the economic challenge of diabetes isn't easy but it's necessary. There are several steps we can take to manage these costs:
- Early detection and proper management: Regular medical check-ups and blood glucose tests can lead to early detection. Proper management involves adhering to medication, planning a healthy diet, and regular exercise. Learn more about understanding diabetes tests and diagnosis.
- Health insurance plans: Choose a plan that covers most diabetes-related expenses such as medications, test strips, doctor visits or hospital stays.
- Lifestyle changes: Adopting healthier habits like exercising regularly, eating balanced meals, quitting smoking or limiting alcohol can potentially reduce health complications related to diabetes. Daily foot checks are part of this, because foot complications are among the most expensive to treat; see our guide to preventing diabetic foot complications.
- Assistance programs: Ask your doctor, pharmacist or clinic about patient-assistance and discount programs for insulin, medications and supplies. For more budget-conscious strategies, read our guide to cost-effective diabetes management.
Remember though it's not about cutting corners where health is concerned. The idea is simply about making informed decisions for better financial management without compromising your health.
When should you see a doctor about the cost of diabetes?
Talk to your doctor as soon as cost is causing you to skip insulin, ration medication, test less often, or delay appointments, because skipped care leads to the complications that drive the biggest bills. Your care team can often switch you to a lower-cost medication, point you to manufacturer assistance programs, or adjust your plan so that it fits your budget. Never stop or reduce a prescribed medication on your own. If you notice symptoms of very high or very low blood sugar, seek care right away; our article on preventing diabetic emergencies explains the warning signs.
Frequently asked questions about the cost of diabetes
How much does diabetes medication cost per month?
Using the American Diabetes Association's 2017 figures cited in this article, insulin and medications averaged $5,705 per year, which works out to roughly $475 per month before any insurance coverage. Your actual monthly cost depends on which medications you take, your insurance plan and whether you qualify for assistance programs. Ask your pharmacist about lower-cost alternatives if your out-of-pocket cost is higher than this.
What is the true cost of diabetes?
The true cost of diabetes combines direct medical costs with indirect costs such as lost wages, transportation, home modifications and emotional strain. In the United States, direct medical spending averaged $16,752 per person in 2017, and diabetes was linked to an estimated 120 million lost work days and $20 billion in reduced productivity that year. Intangible costs, such as stress and lost opportunities, add to that but are harder to measure.
How much do diabetes test strips and supplies cost?
The American Diabetes Association found that Americans with diabetes spend an average of $500 a year on glucose meters, test strips and lancets. The cost rises if you test several times a day or use a continuous glucose monitor. Checking blood sugar regularly is still one of the cheapest ways to avoid expensive complications.
Why has the cost of insulin gone up so much?
Annual insulin costs for patients rose from $2,864 in 2012 to $6,000 in 2022, according to the study cited by the American Diabetes Association. The increase reflects higher list prices and higher out-of-pocket shares for many patients. If insulin is unaffordable, tell your doctor; manufacturer assistance programs and lower-cost options may be available.
How much does diabetes cost people without insurance?
People without insurance pay the full price of insulin, medications, supplies and visits, so their cost of diabetes is far higher than the insured average. The original ADA figures in this article are averages across all patients, so an uninsured person can face costs well above them. Community health centers, patient-assistance programs and pharmacy discount programs can reduce the bill; ask your care team where to start.
References, studies and sources
- American Diabetes Association. The Cost of Diabetes. https://diabetes.org/about-us/statistics/cost-diabetes
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Diabetes. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Diabetes. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes
- World Health Organization (WHO). Diabetes fact sheet. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes
About the author: Dr. Matthew Capozzi, DPM, FACFAS, CWS, is a board-certified foot surgeon through the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. He is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Wound Management and Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. He completed a three-year residency program in Foot and Ankle Reconstructive Surgery at St. Francis Hospital & Medical Center in Hartford, CT in 2010. Dr. Capozzi is a board-certified Wound Specialist® granted by the American Academy of Wound Management.
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