OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence and related direct medical costs of chronic complications, especially cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases and nephropathy, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in China.

METHODS: Data were extracted from the Hospital Information System database of 4 Grade III Class A hospitals from January 1st, 2012 to May 31st, 2017. Patients with T2DM were identified by ICD-10 codes (E11.x) supplemented with Chinese descriptions. The prevalence of complications including hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, nephropathy, diabetic foot, lower extremity vascular disease, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic neuropathy were estimated through ICD-10 codes supplemented with descriptions among T2DM patients. Costs per hospitalization and per outpatient visit were calculated and compared between patients with and without complications. The costs per hospitalization and per outpatient visit under the primary diagnoses of each chronic complication were further estimated.

RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients with T2DM suffered from chronic complications, and their inpatient and outpatient cost per visit were higher than those without complications. Effective interventions such as regular physical examinations should be implemented to prevent complications among diabetic patients.