Economic implications of type 2 diabetes management

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex and progressive disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Both the prevalence and economic burden associated with DM have been steadily increasing and are projected to continue to increase. A series of cost reports published by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) between 1997 and 2012 have suggested that direct medical costs are the primary cost driver in DM. Direct costs have increased over 5-fold during this time frame, from $44 billion to $176 billion annually, likely due to both the increased prevalence of DM and increased costs of providing DM-related care. Trends in anti-diabetic medication usage as reported by Centers for Disease Control data from 1997 to 2011 have found that the proportion of diagnosed patients treated for DM has remained fairly stable. However, there has been an increase in the use of oral agents alone, a decrease in patients on insulin only, and a relatively small increase in the percentage of patients using both insulin and oral agents, suggesting stagnation regarding the uptake of insulin use. In parallel, the ADA cost and utilization data suggest that use of medications to treat DM-related comorbidities and complications has risen, which contributes to the risk of medication errors, avoidable adverse drug events, and noncompliance. These data highlight a few of the challenges involved in managing a population of patients with DM. A comprehensive assessment of unmet needs for the population with DM is essential for effective population management. An approach that strives to identify and reduce barriers to patients receiving optimal care and being active participants in their DM management will facilitate systemwide efforts to improve DM outcomes.