OBJECTIVES : Diabetes Mellitus type 2 diabetes (DM2T) is associated with increased cardiovascular risks, disability and higher mortality rates. Demonstrating the strong economic impact thereof on the workforce is of high importance for making diagnostic, prophylaxis and treatment investments.

METHODS : The analysis included statistical data on IHD (ICD codes I20-I25), myocardial infarction (ICD codes I21-22), ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes (I63, I61, I62), which were considered to be macrovascular complications of DM2T. DM2T economic impact and its cardiovascular complications (CVC) were assessed based on mortality, morbidity and disability statistics. The percentage of patients with DM2T attributable to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality was estimated based on relative risks derived from meta-analyses and the Russian data. The human capital was used to calculate the economic losses (GDP).

RESULTS : CVCs in DM2T in Russia are amounted to 7.45% for CHD, including myocardial infarction (2.83%), for ischemic and strokes - 3.74% and 1.49%. Besides, mortality caused by CHD is 6.61%. It has been estimated that DM2T may be responsible for 15.5 thous. of premature deaths in the working age. CVCs can led to 40.5 thous. of premature deaths. DM2T and its CVCs were associated with a substantial number of disability cases and sick leave, permanently or temporarily dismissing individuals from the workforce. Productivity losses due to premature deaths were estimated to be $2.4 bln. annually. Disability-related economic losses were $11.1 mln. Every year, while income losses due to absence from work – $74 mln. Total indirect costs/economic losses due to DM2T and CVCs were no less than $13.5 bln. annually.

CONCLUSIONS : DM2T has a significant impact on the workforce if the cardiovascular risks and complications are considered in the Russian population. Loses of GDP caused thereby are substantial and come up to 1%. Early diagnosis, prophylaxis and control of diabetes are needed for decreasing of social-economic burden.