Since discovering that I have diabetes several years ago I have been fascinated by the size of the diabetes industry.
The incidence of diabetes, both childhood and adult types, is huge .. totaling as much as 1/3 to one half of the population according to some claims. This means that there is a huge business opportunity, especially for the kind of care that is given by specialized clinics outside of the usual hospitals and medical groups. Recently, my pharmacist even told me that his company, a local chain, is considering adding diabetic care to the local drug stores!
This growth is seen in the need for non MDs trained in diabetes care, The Bureau of labor statistics projects the need for dietitians and nutritionists will increase nine percent between 2008 and 2018, including job growth for professionals specializing in medical nutrition therapy for renal and diabetic patients. Factors that influence job growth in this field include a greater emphasis on disease prevention through improved dietary habits. As the baby boomer generation ages, the BLS projects a greater demand for nutritional counseling and treatment in hospitals, residential care facilities, schools, prisons, community health programs and home health care agencies.
Childhood diabetes seems an even greater growth candidate for investors. There are even diabetes camp for kids wealthy enough to be able to afford them. Moreover the recognition that childhood obesity is prelude to adult , type II diabetes is an obvious business opportunity . or an opportunity to actually do something good for kids. I would guess that universal medical care, already the fact of life for kids, must spend a huge amount of money on these private centers. Is there any quality control on such activities? How many of these camps feature naturopathic treatments or, God forbid, faith based therapies?
Of course all this ignores the impact of marketing. Imagine what will happen if my pharmacist’s efforts are correct? Drug store chains would not only sell insulin, they would add counselors (nutritionist?) who would guide patients to buy store products. For that matter, it seems likely that the “nutrition” and heallth food stores would get into the act. I wonder what the commissions would be for a counsellor at a Right Aid Diabetes Camp?
Read more: http://www.ehow.com/info_8264555_salaries-diabetes-care-specialists.html#ixzz2jjJ6sACk