More Americans have diabetes than ever before. The disease affects 18 million adults and children, yet almost a third of them may not know they have diabetes because it can develop gradually over many years, often with no symptoms.

Although more adults have diabetes, it affects children too. Approximately one in every 500 children and adolescents has type 1 diabetes.

The disease is on the rise, with 1.3 million new cases diagnosed each year. The 40-59 age group reports the greatest number of annual new cases. National diabetes-related costs are staggering, amounting to $132 billion annually; $92 billion (70 %) are direct medical costs and the remaining $40 billion are indirect costs related to disability, work loss and premature death.

Diabetes increases the risk of coronary artery disease, the leading killer of men and women in the U.S. From two thirds to three fourths of people with diabetes die of some form of heart or blood vessel disease. Diabetes is also the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults and treated end-state renal (kidney) disease.

The Total Access Medical personal care program is designed to help adults and children better manage their diabetes.  TAM physicians work closely with patients and their other medical providers (such as diabetes specialists) in order to help patients understand their treatment, remain compliant with their medications, monitor their own blood sugar levels at work, home and school, and adopt healthy habits.

Results
Over time, patients report having:

• Greater ability to track and manage fluctuations in their blood sugar levels
• Enhanced knowledge about their medications and controlling side effects
• Higher commitment level to healthy nutrition and exercise
• Reduced absences at work and school
• Fewer diabetes-related ER visits and hospital stays