OBJECTIVES:

Stroke constitutes a major comorbidity in type 2 diabetes (T2D), contributing substantially to treatment costs. The stroke incidence in Argentina is 87/100,000 individuals. There are 56,300 new events/year, and 22.6% occurs in people with diabetes. Case-fatality rate for first stroke at 30 days is 27%. Most survivors require long-term rehabilitation, and nearly half of them, temporary or permanent care. This study provides payers with relevant data for an evidence-based decision making.

METHODS:

This research estimated direct medical costs of annual treatment in an average patient with uncomplicated T2D, and the incremental cost of T2D associated events; focused on the economic impact of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke (IS / HS), from the perspective of the social security and private healthcare providers in Argentina. Cost estimation followed the micro-costing method and unit costs were obtained from the IQVIA Argentina Unit Cost Base. The patient journey and resources usage rate were validated by interviews and a focus group comprised by experts in the field.

RESULTS:

In Argentina, the estimated economic burden of uncomplicated T2D for annual treatment and patient follow-up was: USD 1,869.31 in the social security sector and USD 1,903.75 in the private sector, being medication 83% of total disease cost. Developing IS multiplies by 17 times and HS up to 50 times the uncomplicated T2D healthcare costs. In this scenario, medication represents only 1 to 10% of total expenditure, due to the increasing relevance of hospitalization and rehabilitation costs which represents approximately 90%.

CONCLUSIONS:

Stroke is a frequent T2D related complication and is the most expensive. Preventing, or at least reducing the risks of costly complications in T2D patients would represent an economic relief that healthcare payers should consider in their decision making, to ensure the provision of quality care and the long-term sustainability of the health system.