Analysis of Social and Economic Burden of Type 1 Diabetes Care in Italy
Author(s)
Luisa De Sanctis, Prof1, Maurizio Delvecchio, Prof2, Sergio Di Molfetta, Dr3, Angela Girelli, Dr4, Chiara Alduini, MD5, Luigi Napolitano, MD5, GIANLUCA AGOSTONI, MD6, georgia Fousteri, PhD6, Marta Imbrogno, MD6, Clara Trimarchi, MD6.
1Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Turin, Italy, 2University of Aquila, Aquila, Italy, 3University Hospital Bari, Bari, Italy, 4ASST Spedali Civili Brescia, Brescia, Italy, 5A.T. Kearney, Milan, Italy, 6Sanofi, Milan, Italy.
1Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Turin, Italy, 2University of Aquila, Aquila, Italy, 3University Hospital Bari, Bari, Italy, 4ASST Spedali Civili Brescia, Brescia, Italy, 5A.T. Kearney, Milan, Italy, 6Sanofi, Milan, Italy.
OBJECTIVES: Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease that typically arises in children and young adults and progresses through sequential stages, ultimately requiring lifelong insulin therapy and complex daily management. Despite medical advances, T1D continues to place a significant burden on patients and caregivers, impacting mental health, social participation and daily life. The study aims to estimate the economic and societal impact of T1D in Italy at every stage of its progression. The ultimate goals are to raise awareness of the disease burden and inform reflections to strengthen health and social care policies for T1D.
METHODS: The analysis integrated targeted literature review, national data sources (NHS and national statistical data) and input from pediatric and adult diabetologists. Patients were segmented by disease stage, age group and complications. Societal costs were assessed across five drivers: treatment, complications, mental health, non-medical and indirect costs. Regional differences in epidemiology and access to care were considered.
RESULTS: Approximately 339,000 individuals in Italy are either living with T1D or are at risk of developing it. The vast majority are patients diagnosed and treated with insulin, over 90% of whom are adults. Among diagnosed patients, 40-45% have at least one chronic complication and 5% experience acute events such as severe hypoglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis every year. Total direct social costs are estimated between €1.6 and €1.8 billion per year, primarily covered by NHS. Major cost drivers include insulin (€85-90 million), glucose monitoring devices and pumps (€950-980 million), complication management (€410-420 million) and mental health care (€70-75 million). Children and older adults with complications bear the highest economic burden.
CONCLUSIONS: T1D imposes a significant societal burden across all age groups and disease stages. Quantifying T1D’s impact and benefits of delaying its onset, can inform more holistic care strategies that enhance both clinical outcomes and daily life.
METHODS: The analysis integrated targeted literature review, national data sources (NHS and national statistical data) and input from pediatric and adult diabetologists. Patients were segmented by disease stage, age group and complications. Societal costs were assessed across five drivers: treatment, complications, mental health, non-medical and indirect costs. Regional differences in epidemiology and access to care were considered.
RESULTS: Approximately 339,000 individuals in Italy are either living with T1D or are at risk of developing it. The vast majority are patients diagnosed and treated with insulin, over 90% of whom are adults. Among diagnosed patients, 40-45% have at least one chronic complication and 5% experience acute events such as severe hypoglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis every year. Total direct social costs are estimated between €1.6 and €1.8 billion per year, primarily covered by NHS. Major cost drivers include insulin (€85-90 million), glucose monitoring devices and pumps (€950-980 million), complication management (€410-420 million) and mental health care (€70-75 million). Children and older adults with complications bear the highest economic burden.
CONCLUSIONS: T1D imposes a significant societal burden across all age groups and disease stages. Quantifying T1D’s impact and benefits of delaying its onset, can inform more holistic care strategies that enhance both clinical outcomes and daily life.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
EE50
Topic
Economic Evaluation, Epidemiology & Public Health, Health Policy & Regulatory
Topic Subcategory
Budget Impact Analysis, Cost/Cost of Illness/Resource Use Studies
Disease
Diabetes/Endocrine/Metabolic Disorders (including obesity), Pediatrics