A New Weight Loss Scheme Has The Potential To Save Medicare Up To $15bn - Wiki Peers
Pre-diabetes is defined as blood sugar levels that are not high enough for a full diagnosis of type II diabetes, but they are still higher than normal. Within 10 years prediabetes will progress to type II if it is left untreated. A person suffering from prediabetes may already have circulatory system and heart damage. Weight loss, a balanced diet and regular exercise will lead to blood sugar levels reverting back to normal, preventing the onset of type II diabetes.
Kenneth E. Thorpe, lead researcher and co-author, states that, "congress should consider the proposal outlined by their study if they are looking for new ways to combat Medicare spending as well as a reduction in the federal deficit. Sadly the continuous increase in the rates of obesity and chronic diabetes are not being addressed by government," states Thorpe.
He goes on to say that "Weight related health issues such as high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes are costing the health care industry millions. What is happening is that individuals are already struggling with these health issues by the time they become eligible for Medicare. A refocus on weight loss and prevention will go a long way in combating chronic disease as well as improving the countries bottom line."
The health program consists of enrolling on a 16 week weight loss program, which will cost the government an estimated $590 million. They suggest the program is funded by the National Diabetes Prevention Program as well as the Prevention and Public Health Trust Fund.
Their financial outlay leads to the conclusion that Medicaid would save $15.1 billion over the lifetime of the participant.
05 Oct, 2011--
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNGon6osS34KseTfjLRs_UZ6t2IOUg&url=http://www.wikipeers.com/news/7723-a-new-weight-loss-scheme-has-the-potential-to-save-medicare-up-to-15bn.html
~
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com
