Cost-effectiveness of sensor-augmented pump therapy in adults with type 1 diabetes in the United States

A recent randomized trial demonstrated significant reductions in hemoglobin A(1c) levels with sensor-augmented pump therapy (SAPT) compared with multiple daily injections of insulin (MDI) in type 1 diabetes. We analyzed resource use in the trial and estimated the long-term cost-effectiveness of SAPT from the perspective of the US health care system.

We undertook a cost-effectiveness analysis combining estimates from the trial and the literature to populate the previously validated Center for Outcomes Research (CORE) Diabetes Model. Results represent the use of 3-day sensors, as in the trial, and 6-day sensors, approved in most markets but not yet approved in the United States.

Within-trial hospital days, emergency department visits, and outpatient visits did not differ significantly between the treatment groups. Assuming 65% use of 3-day sensors, treatment-related costs in year 1 were an estimated $10,760 for SAPT and $5072 for MDI. Discounted lifetime estimates were $253,493 in direct medical costs and 10.794 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) for SAPT and $167,170 in direct medical costs and 10.418 QALYs for MDI. For 3-day and 6-day sensors, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were $229,675 per QALY (95% confidence interval $139,071-$720,865) and $168,104 per QALY (95% confidence interval $102,819-$523,161), respectively. The ratios ranged from $69,837 to $211,113 per QALY with different strategies for incorporating utility benefits resulting from less fear of hypoglycemia with SAPT.

Despite superior clinical benefits of SAPT compared with MDI, SAPT does not appear to be economically attractive in the United States for adults with type 1 diabetes in its current state of development. However, further clinical developments reducing disposable costs of the system could significantly improve its economic attractiveness.