National Trends in Expenditures on Glucose-Lowering Medications in U.S. Adults With Diabetes: 2000–2022
Authors' conclusion
Per capita expenditures on newer medications have risen markedly. Identifying key drivers of these expenditures may enhance affordability and access to effective diabetes treatments.
Study context
- Population
- U.S. adults aged ≥18 years with self-reported diabetes, Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys, 2000–2022
- Outcome
- Annual per capita expenditures on glucose-lowering medications (2022 U.S. dollars)
- Follow-up
- 2000-2022
Methodological detailsnationally representative survey data, joinpoint regression, Expenditures adjusted to 2022 U.S. dollars
- Nationally representative survey data
- Joinpoint regression
- Expenditures adjusted to 2022 U.S. dollars
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Total per capita expenditures on glucose-lowering medications · 2000 to 2022
- Total per capita expenditure in 2000
- $856
- Total per capita expenditure in 2022
- $3,725
- Increase 2000 to 2022
- 335%
- Annual rise during 2000-2012
- $29 per year
- Annual rise after 2012 (accelerated)
- $224 annually
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Expenditures by medication class
- Expenditures increased substantially on newer noninsulin agents while declining on older oral agents; human insulin expenditures declined
- Analog insulin expenditures rose initially but plateaued after 2016
- Upward trend in newer high-cost therapies primarily driven by an increased number of users
Original publication
National Trends in Expenditures on Glucose-Lowering Medications in U.S. Adults With Diabetes: 2000–2022. Diabetes Care. Published 17 February 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →