Approach to assessing the economic impact of insulin‐related hypoglycaemia using the novel Local Impact of Hypoglycaemia Tool

Abstract

AimTo provide estimates of the costs of severe and non‐severe insulin‐related hypoglycaemia in the UK using the Local Impact of Hypoglycaemia Tool.MethodsRates of hypoglycaemia were extracted from the UK Hypoglycaemia Study Group observational study. The costs of severe and non‐severe hypoglycaemic episodes in insulin‐treated adults with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes were estimated from UK data sources. The rates and costs were then applied to specific populations to give an estimate of the cost of insulin‐related hypoglycaemia for the UK, a specific locality, or a user‐defined population. User‐specific rates and costs could also be applied.ResultsThe estimated cost of a hypoglycaemic episode can range from as much as £2,152 for severe episodes (for which the patient is admitted to hospital) to as little as £1.67 for non‐severe episodes. With a UK population of 64.1 million, the total estimated cost of managing insulin‐related hypoglycaemia is £468.0 m per year (£295.9 m for severe episodes, £172.1 m for non‐severe episodes). On a local health economy level, using a hypothetical general population of 100 000, the total cost of managing insulin‐related hypoglycaemia is estimated to be £730,052 per year (£461,658 for severe and £268,394 for non‐severe episodes).ConclusionsThe Local Impact of Hypoglycaemia Tool highlights the economic burden of insulin‐related hypoglycaemia. Non‐severe episodes are often overlooked because of their low individual cost, but their high frequency makes the cumulative cost substantial. The Local Impact of Hypoglycaemia Tool also shows clinicians and budget‐holders the economic impact of lower rates of hypoglycaemia.

Requirements for multi-level systems pharmacology models to reach end-usage: the case of type 2 diabetes

“…and social sciences (how will models change social structures in healthcare?) [80,81] ( figure 9, middle level). Finally, all of these research fields need to engage with the final end-users and decision-makers: the healthcare providers, the patients, the regulatory decisionmakers and the companies that are involved in producing and embracing the final products ( figure 9, top cloud).…”

Direct medical costs in the preceding, event and subsequent years of a first severe hypoglycaemia episode requiring hospitalization: A population‐based cohort study

“…The major driver of total direct medical costs for matched controls was outpatient visits, a small proportion of which were emergency visits, and the use of allied health Spanish population 17,33. The costs were similar to those for T2DM patients in Denmark,17 but were less than those for T2DM patients in the UK 16. Comparing patients who use or do not use metformin, direct medical costs during the SH event year for those using metformin were lower than those not using metformin.…”

“…T2DM patients in the UK 16. Comparing patients who use or do not use metformin, direct medical costs during the SH event year for those using metformin were lower than those not using metformin.Based on the treatment regimen in Hong Kong, 34 a high proportion (23.3%) of patients received only lifestyle-modification intervention.…”

“…11 A number of costof-illness and cost-consequence studies have reported the direct medical costs incurred per severe hypoglycaemic episode across clinical characteristics in developed countries, including the USA, 12-14 the UK, 15,16 Denmark, 17 the Netherlands, 18 Germany, 7 Spain 19,20 and South Korea. 11 A number of costof-illness and cost-consequence studies have reported the direct medical costs incurred per severe hypoglycaemic episode across clinical characteristics in developed countries, including the USA, 12-14 the UK, 15,16 Denmark, 17 the Netherlands, 18 Germany, 7 Spain 19,20 and South Korea.…”

“…On a global scale, SH imposes a substantial economic burden on national healthcare services, driven by an increasing need for blood glucose monitoring, emergency services, hospitalization and additional visits to doctors and allied health professionals. 11 A number of costof-illness and cost-consequence studies have reported the direct medical costs incurred per severe hypoglycaemic episode across clinical characteristics in developed countries, including the USA, [12][13][14] the UK, 15,16 Denmark, 17 the Netherlands, 18 Germany, 7 Spain 19,20 and South Korea. 21 While the mean costs of an SH episode can be estimated, there is a scarcity of information to date concerning costs during the preceding and subsequent years.…”