National trends in per-capita medical expenditures among U.S. adults with diabetes, 2000–2022

Abstract

Aims

To examine the national trend in per-capita medical expenditures among U.S. adults with diabetes from 2000 to 2022.

Methods

We analyzed data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey in U.S. adults aged ≥18 years with self-reported diabetes. We calculated the expenditure in total and by component, including outpatient services, inpatient services, emergency room (ER) visits, prescription drugs, and other medical services. We used joinpoint regression to identify changes in trends.

Results

Estimated total per-capita expenditure increased 66 %, from $9,700 (95 % CI $8,736–$10,663) in 2000 to $16,067 (95 % CI $15,049–$17,086) in 2022. Specifically, spending on prescription drugs, outpatient, ER, and other medical services increased by 144 %, 96 %, 122 %, and 135 %, respectively, while inpatient spending decreased by 28 %. Two significant upward trend periods (2000–2004 and 2011–2018) were identified for total expenditure. Spending trends by component varied, with an accelerated increase in prescription drug spending after 2012; by 2022, prescription drugs accounted for the largest share (39 %) of total expenditures.

Conclusions

The economic burden of diabetes on the national health care system has been increasing, with spending changes varying by medical service category. Interventions to prevent diabetes and its complications may help mitigate this growing economic burden.