Health care costs for residents diagnosed with diabetes type 2 in Malmö, Sweden between 2011 and 2018

Background

During the last decade, type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevalence has increased worldwide, especially among children and young adults. Diabetes is a chronic disease that if not diagnosed in time can lead to serious health complications and put pressure on the societal resources. The aim of this study was to evaluate the economic impact of the increased T2D prevalence in Malmö over time on the regional health care organization.

Methods

A longitudinal population-based study in Malmö, within the Cities Changing Diabetes project. Data was collected from the Patient Administrative System in Region Skåne, classifying T2D by the ICD E11 code. The health care cost (HCC) has been adjusted by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to 2020 prices.

Results

The prevalence of T2D increased from 2,5% in 2011 to 4,3% in 2018. The increase in T2D prevalence was most noticeable for residents 18 - 64 years. The overall HCC for treating residents with T2D was approximately €47,2 million in 2011 and €90,7 million in 2018. The HCC in 2018 was higher for males than for females (€54,6 million vs €36,2 million). In 2018, the cost was €49,9 million for those 18 - 64 years and €40,5 million for those being 65 years or older. The overall HCC increased during the study period (3,3 times for those 18 - 64 years and 1,4 times for those being 65 years or older). For the age group 18 - 64 the HCC per resident was €5 000 in 2011 and €5 300 in 2018. The HCC per resident for all age groups, has not changed markedly, from €6 200 in 2011 to €6 100 in 2018 as well as the number of health care visits (23 in 2011 and 29 in 2018).

Conclusions

The HCC for T2D has increased markedly since 2011. This increase is most noticeable for people under 65 years. The overall HCC for these patients and its change over time puts an increased strain on the health care provider Region Skåne, mainly due to increased prevalence.

Key messages

The overall HCC during 2011 – 2018 has increased 2 times for residents with T2D and 1.5 times for residents without T2D. This increase is likely to continue if the current trend remains. The main driving force behind the increase in HCC over time is the increase in T2D prevalence and not in HCC per resident.

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