OBJECTIVES: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) accounts for 90% of diabetes cases globally. As rapid economic development improves healthcare and lifestyle across emerging markets, the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases, such as T2DM, is increasing and is expected to rise to the same level as established markets. Given the infancy of the healthcare system and infrastructure in emerging markets, understanding the current burden and challenges associated with T2DM is important to inform future policies.

METHODS: A targeted literature review was conducted across multiple databases. Searches were limited to English language studies published between January 2012 and January 2019. Publications reporting on direct costs, indirect costs and humanistic burden of T2DM in Brazil, Russia, India, China, Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea and Turkey (emerging) and France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, US, Canada and Australia (established) were included. Costs were converted to US dollars.

RESULTS: A total of 64 publications were included; n=30 established markets, n=33 emerging markets and n=1 both markets. Direct costs of T2DM were greatest in emerging markets (up to $9.1billion in China). Indirect costs account for a low proportion of total costs in established markets. However, one study reported economic losses of 75% total costs in Russia. Comorbidities (e.g. cardiovascular disease) had a substantial cost impact across both country groups, with the annual cost of complications alone accounting for >$5billion in Mexico. Hypoglycaemic events had a similar impact across all markets: reduced activity impairment (40.7%–59.3%), reduced mental (40.3%–43.8%), physical (38.7%–43.9%) and health utility scores (0.58–0.65).

CONCLUSIONS: The economic burden of T2DM in emerging markets is substantial and higher than that reported in established markets. Patients with T2DM in emerging and established markets experience a similar negative impact on quality of life. Introducing similar strategies used in established markets to manage T2DM may alleviate these burdens.