Diabetes is currently one of the ten leading causes of death in New Jersey.  In 2009, 562,000 persons in New Jersey were estimated to have diabetes and the disease was estimated to affect the health of 8.4% of the adult population.  Not only does diabetes cause detriment to the well-being of New Jersey's citizens, but it also puts a tremendous financial burden on the state.

The total cost of diabetes in New Jersey exceeds $5.8 billion per year.

The ADA estimates that a third of this cost stems from indirect costs such as lost work productivity, and that two thirds of the cost is a direct result of medical bills.

Complication from Diabetes:  $113,738 - the average cost of each amputation

In 2009, 1,571 non-traumatic lower limb ampuatations were performed in New Jersey due to the effects of diabetes.

Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower limb amputation; however, these amputations can be prevented.

In 2010, nearly 72% of Americans revealed foot pain had prevented them from performing their daily activities, and visits to podiatrists have been linked to improve foot health.  Research shows yearly visits to a podiatrist by those with diabetes significantly decreases the risk of lower limb amputation.  New Jersey can benefit economically and medically from encouraging its diabetes patients to visit podiatrists yearly.

From, WWW.APMA.ORG