Cost of Diabetes: Rhode Island's programs provide safety net for patients, save taxpayer money
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Among Robert Medeiros’ long list of problems — homelessness, drug addiction, mental illness, illiteracy — it’s easy to see why diabetes wasn’t his priority.
Then he blacked out on the street while carrying plastic grocery sacks of canned goods to his camp underneath Rhode Island’s Route 146 bridge.
When he awoke in the hospital, doctors gave him an A1C test measuring his three-month blood sugar average. His reading topped the meters, forcing doctors to guess. They estimated 17, more than triple a normal reading of 5.
Medeiros’ case is among the toughest for health care and social workers. His diabetes is intertwined with mental illness, substance abuse, illiteracy and homelessness, all factors that, on their own, often thwart efforts to help diabetics.
More at http://www.caller.com/news/2013/apr/14/cost-of-diabetes-rhode-islands-programs-provide/ .
Cross-posted in Texas and Chronic Health Conditions Discussion and Support groups.