Episode 1 - Prevalence of Diabetes and Obesity in the United States

Recognizing that the prevalence of both obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are on the rise in the United States, Peter Salgo, MD, explains how the 2 diseases march hand-in-hand and have a major impact on US healthcare spending.

Dr Salgo explains that the prevalence of T2DM increases with weight and states that the annual costs associated with T2DM are approximately $245 billion. The cost burden of T2DM is reflected in both direct expenditures and costs associated with lost productivity and absenteeism.

Kari Uusinarkaus, MD, FAAFP, FNLA, and Yehuda Handelsman, MD, FACP, FACE, FNLA, discuss how the trends are noticeable in each of their respective US states.

Jeffrey D. Dunn, PharmD, MBA, describes how the diabetes and obesity epidemics, combined with life expectancies, an aging population, comorbidities, and drug prices, exert a substantial burden on society.

Maria Lopes, MD, MS, explains how educational efforts and resources that help support patients can help empower patients to take responsibility for their health. Dr Handelsman suggests that a nationwide government-directed intervention is necessary to reverse the trend of increasing obesity prevalence.