ST. PAUL —Minnesota successfully reduced the rate of diabetes-related hospitalizations by 22 percent between 2006 and 2014, according to the state Health Department.

The development is a significant step in the state’s ongoing effort to slow rising health care costs, as hospitalizations make up more than 40 percent of the health care costs related to diabetes. The report did not assess the cost of care, however, the estimated median cost for diabetes-related hospitalizations in Minnesota was about $8,550 in 2014, according to Minnesota hospital discharge data.

Between 2006 and 2014, Minnesota’s hospitalization rate related to diabetes fell from 175 to 135 per 10,000 adult Minnesotans, according to the report, “Diabetes Hospitalizations in Minnesota, 2006-2014.” At the same time, the state saw a 7 percent increase in the rate of diabetes.

“This research suggests that Minnesota had a meaningful impact on an important medical outcome as a result of combined efforts to improve care and to prevent chronic disease,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Ed Ehlinger. “All the same, to reduce type 2 diabetes, we must take a broad approach that also addresses poverty, educational achievement, food availability, transportation and health care coverage.”