1970-P: Medical Expenditures Associated with Diabetes, Obesity, and Cardiovascular Disease

Introduction and Objective: Diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) often co-occur. This study estimated medical costs associated with diabetes, obesity, and CVD individually and jointly. Methods: We analyzed pooled 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2022 Medical Expenditures Panel Survey data. Annual health care costs (adjusted to 2022 U.S. dollars) were modeled using gamma generalized linear models adjusted for demographic and health characteristics. BMI was dichotomized as obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) and without obesity (BMI 18.5-29.9 kg/m²). Diabetes and CVD were defined as self-report of ever receiving a diagnosis. CVD included coronary heart disease, angina, myocardial infarction, stroke, and other heart disease. Incremental expenditures related to co-occurring comorbidities were calculated using model coefficients and interaction terms between comorbidities. Results: In adults without obesity, costs rose from $6,576 (no additional comorbidities, 56% of population) to $12,181 with diabetes (4%), $12,846 with CVD (4%), and $19,904 with both diabetes and CVD (2%). Among adults with obesity, costs rose from $7,203 (no diabetes or CVD, 25%) to $12,906 with diabetes (5%), $15,937 with CVD (2%), and $23,262 with both (2%). Costs increase with more conditions. Conclusion: The higher expenditure observed for co-existing diabetes and CVD could be amplified by obesity. Prevention, early screening and integrated management may reduce substantial economic burden. Disclosure P. Zhang: None. H. Shao: None. K. Bullard: None. R. Li: None. Y. Wang: None.