Posted by Lisa Strawbridge - email
UNDATED (AP) - The recession is forcing most Americans to cut back on spending, but for diabetics that could have dire consequences.
The Associated Press has found diabetics are increasingly risking life and limb by cutting back on -- or even going without -- doctor visits, insulin, medicines and blood-sugar testing as they lose income and health insurance.
Doctors have seen a drop in regular appointments with diabetic patients, as more seek tax-subsidized or charity care. And those patients ending up in emergency rooms more often.
Also, the AP has found sales of top-selling diabetic drugs and other products have dropped since the economic crisis accelerated last fall.
