Cost-effectiveness of the Da Qing diabetes prevention program: A modelling study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Economics
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Type 2 diabetes prevention is a global health priority.
• Lifestyle interventions show promise in managing impaired glucose tolerance.
• The Da Qing Diabetes Prevention program (DQDP) was a key randomized trial initiated in 1986.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the long-term cost-effectiveness of the DQDP lifestyle intervention.
• To assess the economic value of diabetes prevention strategies in a Chinese population.
• To evaluate health utilities and healthcare costs associated with the DQDP.

Main Methods:

• A Markov Monte Carlo model was employed from a healthcare system perspective.
• Analysis considered 30-year and lifetime time horizons.
• Quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) were key outcome measures.

Main Results:

• The intervention was cost-saving over both 30-year and lifetime periods.
• Participants gained an average of 0.74 QALYs (30-year) and 1.44 QALYs (lifetime).
• Cardiovascular disease event hazard ratio significantly influenced the ICER.

Conclusions:

• The DQDP lifestyle intervention offers substantial economic value for Chinese populations with impaired glucose tolerance.
• The program is a cost-saving strategy for diabetes prevention.
• Long-term economic benefits support the implementation of such lifestyle interventions.