The cost of providing care to the pediatric patient with diabetes

Newer management strategies to intensify diabetes care have been shown to d ecrease the risk of microvascular complications and reduce acute diabetes r elated morbidity. These strategies reduce both the short term and the long term costs of diabetes care, and improve the quality of life for those affe cted by diabetes. However, the current U.S. health care structure does not adequately provide reimbursement for the multidisciplinary team required to implement and maintain modern intensified diabetes management. We present data sup porting the cost of providing this care to pediatric patients and suggest that this care is cost effective. Strategies for appropriate reimbu rsement are presented, but further work is needed to implement the disease management approach to diabetes care.