[LAPTOP trial--results of an health economics evaluation]

Based on the LAPTOP trial, a cost and a benefit assessment were undertaken. The cost analysis was performed as a desk-top evaluation using the cost minimization method. The benefit assessment was done as a simulation using the diabetes mellitus model (DMM). In each analysis either cost or benefit of treating diabetes mellitus with oral antidiabetic drug(s) supported by insulin glargine were compared to those with conventional insulin treatment using premixed insulin twice daily. The cost benefit analysis demonstrated that treatment with insulin glargine plus oral antidiabetics was less expensive than the conventional insulin treatment with premixed insulin. Furthermore, avoidance of diabetic complications was better with insulin glargine plus oral antidiabetics than with premixed insulin alone.