Staggering medical costs are enough to prevent many from seeking medical care when they are injured or ill. A study from the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions found this to be the case with 20 percent of Americans.

Retail clinics are serving as a health care alternative for some people. The study found that 15 percent of consumers have received medical attention at a retail clinic and 34 percent said that they would if it proved to cost less than going to their doctor.

Deloitte Center for Health Solutions executive director Paul Keckley says that cost is a major factor for many consumers when determining when and where they seek care.

"As consumers increasingly begin to 'shop' for their care, they are seeking new options - price and convenience are key drivers," Keckley said. "Some consumers are heading to retail clinics for their flu shot instead of the doctor's office."

The high unemployment rate may be contributing to people not getting care when they need it. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that the unemployment rate currently sits at 9.5 percent. Many people rely on their employer for assistance with health insurance coverage.

In general, the best way to treat a condition is to prevent it from happening in the first place. To that end, the American Association of Diabetes Educators wants private health insurance companies and Medicare to include education as a benefit for those with pre-diabetes.

The group cites research that shows the cost savings such programs can have to support their position. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that there are $174 billion in costs associated with the condition.

"We really view this as common sense. It is clear that diabetes education not only improves the health of people at risk, but generates a net savings to the health care system, to Medicare and to private insurance," said AADE President Deborah Fillman.

The AADE cites a study of over 3,200 overweight people with pre-diabetes that found intervention reduced the incidence of diabetes by over 70 percent in older adults.

The CDC estimates that 57 million Americans had pre-diabetes in 2007. The condition has been tied to an increase risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.