How Philly's Soda Tax Combats Rising Rates Of Diabetes

KYW's Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The cost of treating diabetes is rising, and quickly. Here are some facts: in 2014, spending on the average person with diabetes was over $16,000. In case you are wondering that's more than $10,000 higher than for people without diabetes.

An article in the Canadian Medical Journal is focusing not just on the cost but what to do about it. For instance, is it time for physicians to write prescriptions for vegetables and fruits?

Another suggestion—one adopted in Philadelphia—is a soda tax. There are other lifestyle suggestions including a recommendation that food companies offer smaller sizes as people start to watch their sugar and salt intake.

What they are really saying is that there is a need to educate people about healthy lifestyles and a need to start early in life before type two diabetes is diagnosed.