OBJECTIVES: According to International Diabetes Federation (IDF) there were over 72.94 million cases of diabetes were reported in 2017 and estimated to be doubled by 2025. This is expected to become a major economic burden on society and healthcare system. Objective of this study was to assess the direct cost incurred to patients admitted at tertiary care teaching hospital due to diabetes and its complications.

METHODS: According to International Diabetes Federation (IDF) there were over 72.94 million cases of diabetes were reported in 2017 and estimated to be doubled by 2025. This is expected to become a major economic burden on society and healthcare system. Objective of this study was to assess the direct cost incurred to patients admitted at tertiary care teaching hospital due to diabetes and its complications.

RESULTS: Mean age of patients admitted was 54.75 years and 55% were female. Mean of Total direct cost, direct medical cost, direct non medical cost, medicine cost, lab investigations cost and hospitalization cost occurred during six months due to diabetes complications at this hospital of north India was USD 135.56 (p<.05), 122.69 (p<.05),12.86 (p<.05, higher cost than test value),100.16 (P>.05), 13.87 (p<.05) and 36.34 (p<.05) respectively while that was in other hospital of south India was USD 293.75, 290.04, 3.75, 76.46, 29.45 and 143.75 respectively. Based on both studies and considering current diabetic population of India (72.94 million), overall direct cost burden (six months) due to diabetes and its complications due to hospitalization in India may be estimated between approximately USD 9886 to 21426 million.

CONCLUSIONS:Despite of limitations like variation in cost of illness due to diabetes complications, geographical distance and lesser sample size in both studies, a huge economic burden due to diabetes complications in India is evident.