[Improved diabetes care in Saxony Anhalt--results of the evaluation of the diabetes model project (first quarter 2001-last quarter 2002)].

Approximately 5-6% of the German adult population suffers from diabetes, and the disease prevalence is expected to increase in the future. On the other hand, epidemiological studies show that early diagnosis, qualified training, and individualised therapy increase the quality of life of the patients and decrease the costs of treatment. A diabetes disease management trial was conducted in Saxony Anhalt in the years 2001 and 2002. The programme objective was to improve quality and efficiency of diabetes care. The study assessed the effects of a managed care approach, which included treatment corridors, patient education, and documentation of medical findings. A total of 19,957 patients and 263 physicians participated in the trial. The results of the evaluation show a professional and continuous supervision by physicians taking part in the programme. In comparison to the control group, patients enrolled in the plan displayed to a larger extent stabilised or lower (in some cases normalised) diabetes parameters, i.e., HbA1c levels, blood pressure, occurrence of hypoglycemia. During the trial phase, the total spending for plan participants was 0.85% lower than for non-programme patients. Lower primary care costs were overcompensated by reduced in-patient spending. The cost saving can be attributed, among others, to fewer hospitalisations and inpatient services for the treatment of diabetes.