Direct cost of diabetes mellitus and its complications in Spain (SECCAID Study: Spain estimated cost Ciberdem-Cabimer in Diabetes)

Objective The aim of the study was to estimate the direct costs associated with type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus in Spain taking into account a National Health Service perspective. Method A costs of illness study was conducted using the prevalence approach and data from existing databases and bibliographic references related to the use of resources in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The costs categories analysed were: hospital costs (including outpatient care), primary care costs (including additional tests cost and self monitoring blood glucose strips cost) and drug costs. In calculating the non-related cost, only the extra cost was taken into account. Additionally, we analysed the complications cost independently of where costs were originated. Costs were updated to 2012 euros. Results The total direct annual cost of diabetes mellitus was 5,809 million euros, representing 8.2% of the total Spanish health expenditure. Drug costs was the major component of total cost (38%), followed by hospital costs (33%). Drug costs accounted for 2,232 million euros, with antidiabetic drugs costs being 861 million euros (15%). Self monitoring blood glucose strips only contributed 118 million euros (2%) to the total cost. The cost of complications cost was 2,143 million euros, around 37% of the total. Conclusions Total direct costs associated with diabetes mellitus represent a high proportion of total Spanish health expenditure. It is crucial to introduce measures and strategies to improve efficiency in the control and treatment of diabetes mellitus, with the final purpose of reducing its complications and the considerable economic impact generated. © 2013 Sociedad Española de Diabetes. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L. Todos los derechos reservados.Peer Reviewe