Study of direct costs of type 1 diabetes mellitus in Andalusian patients aged 2-16 years.

Introduction: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) is the second leading chronic disease and the most common endocrine-metabolic disorder in childhood. The study objective was to estimate the direct cost of T1DM in pediatric patients in Andalusia.

Methodology: A descriptive, observational, multicenter study was conducted during six consecutive months of 2017-2018 on a sample of 220 patients from 6 hospitals in Andalusia. Variables collected included demographic characteristics, metabolic control parameters, glucose levels, use of continuous monitoring systems, mean HbA levels, episodes of severe hypoglycemia and ketoacidosis, comorbidities and complications, as well as direct healthcare costs, including costs of drugs, materials, laboratory tests, and supplemental tests, as well as those derived from both inpatient and outpatient care.

Results: The study sample consisted of 178 patients. Mean age at diagnosis was 6 years, and mean disease duration was 4.69 (0.29 SD) years. Mean HbA level was 7.06%, and 25% of patients had values higher than 7.5%. The estimated annual cost per patient was € 4,720.4. Cost derived from use of insulins (€ 2,212.9) and materials for insulin administration and blood glucose monitoring (€ 1,518) accounted for greatest proportion of cost (79.1%). No association was found between metabolic control, comorbidities, or complications and cost of disease.

Conclusion: This study has shown a direct cost associated to T1DM in Andalusian children of approximately € 4,700 per patient.