ECHO releases new report presenting overview of diabetes in Alabama

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. The Employers Coalition for Healthcare Options released a new report on the prevalence, cost and quality of care for Type 2 diabetes. The first annual Alabama Type 2 Diabetes Report for 2007 presents an overview of patient demographics, hospitals and professional charges, utilization of clinical services and drug therapy for people with Type 2 diabetes in Birmingham, Huntsville, Florence and Mobile, which are the areas in the state with the most people at risk or who suffer type 2 diabetes. The report is aimed at providing information to employers to help offer the best treatment for diabetes to its employees.

Percentage of people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is much higher among Alabama’s working age adults. Working adults between the age of 18-64 in 2006 comprised more than 60.4 percent of diagnosed diabetic patients in Alabama, compared to the nation, which had 54.2 percent of diabetic patients. In addition, Alabama has a higher level of female patients than the national average with 62.5 percent versus 54.9 percent for the female population of the rest of the nation.

“ECHO is committed to improving the health and wellness of our member employees. This report provides benchmark information that enhances our ability to analyze our experience. It can also be used for developing and supporting multi-stakeholder efforts to support people with diabetes across the state,” said Karen Hill, president/chief executive officer of ECHO.