Estimating the Impact of Medication on Diabetics' Diet and Lifestyle Choices

diet-related disease means that most consumers will compromise diet quality. We examine the
overshooting that occurs as people with diabetes rely on medication, compromising diet quality.
We conclude with suggestions for new guidance for information policy.

Background

Over the past twenty-five years, the percent of Americans diagnosed with diabetes has nearly
doubled. According to 2005 estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
seven percent of the American population now has diabetes (United States Department of Health
and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2005). Complications from
diabetes include heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, blindness, kidney disease,
amputations and premature death. It is estimated that the risk of death among people with
diabetes is about twice that of similar aged people without diabetes. In 2002, the estimated total
direct and indirect costs of diabetes were calculated to be 132 billion dollars (American Diabetes
Association, 2003). As diabetes is more likely to affect ethnic minorities and older adults, these
statistics are likely to worsen as our population ages and becomes more diverse.

Although these statistics are discouraging, individuals can reduce the negative effects of diabetes
through fairly straightforward behavioral changes such as eating a healthful diet and increasing
physical activity. The same changes can prevent onset of the disease (American Diabetes
Association, no date). Economic theory predicts that individuals will choose to alter current
behavior when the benefits of doing so outweigh the costs. Thus, depending on the alignment of
prices, income, beliefs about how current lifestyle influences future health, and preferences, an

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