The Most Expensive Preventable Illnesses to Treat in the U.S.

According to the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control, the preventable health conditions and diseases with the highest cost, if you get them, are:

Diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the way the body metabolizes sugar. It's largely preventable and costs the healthcare system in the United States an overall estimated $327 billion each year. Individuals with type 2 diabetes spend an average of $16,752 per year on healthcare expenses, including more than $9,600 directly on diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association.

Heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. for both men and women, but 80 percent is preventable. It costs the U.S. healthcare system an estimated $316 billion annually. Patients with cardiovascular disease spend an average of $19,000 a year on heart-related healthcare.

Cancer. It may surprise you to learn that many forms of cancer are preventable. Still, it's the second leading cause of death in the U.S. and costs the healthcare system an estimated $158 billion each year. For patients, the costs can exceed $42,000 per year for treatment and medications.

Stroke. Like heart disease deaths, stroke deaths are largely preventable. It's the third leading cause of death in the U.S. and costs the healthcare system an estimated $74 billion annually. Due to their variability, strokes can cost upwards of $59,000 a year for victims and their families, especially if hospitalization and rehabilitation costs are factored in.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a group of lung diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, that costs the U.S. healthcare system an estimated $50 billion each year. It's largely preventable. It costs individuals between $4,000 and $10,000 a year for treatment and medication.