Final answer:
Indirect costs of diabetes mellitus include lost productivity and medication expenses, whereas hospitalization and direct medical are direct costs. Diabetes complications can increase these costs. Effective management through lifestyle changes and medications can mitigate these effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering the indirect costs of diabetes mellitus, it is important to understand that these are the expenses and losses not directly associated with paying for medical services. Indirect costs typically include lost productivity due to illness, such as when a person is unable to work or must reduce work hours because of diabetes-related health issues. Another significant indirect cost is related to medication expenses, which encompass the long-term financial impact of purchasing medications required to manage the disease. Although not listed as an indirect cost, hospitalization costs and direct medical costs like physician services, medical supplies, and hospital services are typically considered as direct costs.
Diabetes, if not managed well, leads to serious complications including loss of eyesight, heart disease, and kidney failure, which can further increase both direct and indirect costs. Managing diabetes requires a combination of lifestyle changes - such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a normal body weight - and, if necessary, medications or insulin injections. This combined approach can help prevent complications and reduce both the direct and indirect expenses associated with the disease.