Our state charges $1500 (which I found appalling) but the court often waived this fee when petitioned to do so. I’ve worked in other states where it was rare to see someone with a state guardian (like, it almost never happened unless the person was raised in foster care), but where I am now, it’s extremely common for the state to act as guardian if someone with a disability is causing harm with their decisions

Right, in my state, it's incredibly uncommon for the state to be guardian of an adult. Happens all the time for kids on a temporary basis, though. I feel like the court costs are higher here, though not by much, maybe double.

This guy I was talking about had partially unmanaged diabetes. He took the medication, but didn't modify his diet at all because he did not believe that was the cause of his issues, despite attempts at education through outside agencies (and myself) many, many times. He was in the hospital and/or ER 36 times in one year because of dizziness, passing out, etc. He had funding for around 30 hours of staff in his apartment per week, but it was not enough; increased funding takes a ton of time here.

Anyway, this was the same hospital over and over to the point that they knew him. I spoke with them several times about going for guardianship, but they claimed he was competent, though they would not show me documentation despite a signed release. I talked to the county and even the state, which is well above and beyond what someone in my position would typically do, but they both said they could do nothing.