Final answer:
Type 2 diabetes being asymptomatic for many years before diagnosis is costly both in terms of health complications and economic burden.
Step-by-step explanation:
Type 2 diabetes is costly because it can be asymptomatic for many years before being diagnosed. This means that individuals with the condition may not experience any noticeable symptoms for a long time, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. During this asymptomatic period, the disease progresses, causing damage to various organs such as the heart, kidneys, and eyes.
As a result, when individuals are finally diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, they could already have significant complications or long-term health problems. These complications not only have a negative impact on the quality of life but also require expensive medical treatments and management.
Furthermore, the economic burden of type 2 diabetes extends beyond the costs of treating complications. It includes healthcare expenses for regular check-ups, medications, and lifestyle modifications, as well as productivity losses due to disability and absenteeism.