Louisiana No. 1 in diabetes-related deaths

NEW ORLEANS The frequency of diabetes-related deaths is most concentrated in the state of Louisiana, according to a recent health report.

As of 2006, the number of diabetes-related deaths totaled 35.5 per 100,000 people in the state, compared with a national average of 23.3, according to National Center for Health Statistics report. Additionally, Louisiana's Diabetes Prevention and Control program noted that approximately 10% of Louisiana residents have been diagnosed with diabetes by a physician. In 2006, the total cost of diabetes to Louisiana was about $2.43 billion.

At the Drug Store News 7th Annual Diabetes Roundtable last month, industry experts discussed how the economy has affected medication compliance among a number of states with high diabetes rates, noting the projected increase of the diabetes population and related costs that will affect the nation.

"We're going to have to continue to be creative and innovative to address the cost and education barriers," said Novo Nordisk senior manager of trade operations Rachel Sosalski at the discussion.