UNLABELLED: It is extremely difficult to assess the prevalence and the total costs of diabetes mellitus for the German health care system. The last sound assessment of the total costs is based on the CODE-2 study, although this study reflects the situation in 1998. METHODS: In this paper we assess again the total costs of diabetes mellitus type 2 and self measurement of blood glucose (SMBG) for the German healthcare system, based on the analysis of a recently published retrospective, multicentre trial dealing with the impact of SMBG on long-term patient outcomes. RESULTS: Overall, yearly costs for the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2 and its complications amount to Euro 3 196,-per patient. This equals 4.6% to 8.2% of the German healthcare expenditure, in relation to the estimated prevalence of the disease in Germany. The cost difference between the cohorts with and without SMBG was not essential (Euro 290,-higher costs in the cohort with SMBG). CONCLUSIONS: From a public health standpoint, prevention of diabetes mellitus or at least prevention of its complications by optimising glucose metabolism should be given highest priority in times of limited resources for healthcare. SMBG is perhaps a valuable tool to achieve this target.
UNLABELLED: It is extremely difficult to assess the prevalence and the total costs of diabetes mellitus for the German health care system. The last sound assessment of the total costs is based on the CODE-2 study, although this study reflects the situation in 1998. METHODS: In this paper we assess again the total costs of diabetes mellitus type 2 and self measurement of blood glucose (SMBG) for the German healthcare system, based on the analysis of a recently published retrospective, multicentre trial dealing with the impact of SMBG on long-term patient outcomes. RESULTS: Overall, yearly costs for the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2 and its complications amount to Euro 3 196,-per patient. This equals 4.6% to 8.2% of the German healthcare expenditure, in relation to the estimated prevalence of the disease in Germany. The cost difference between the cohorts with and without SMBG was not essential (Euro 290,-higher costs in the cohort with SMBG). CONCLUSIONS: From a public health standpoint, prevention of diabetes mellitus or at least prevention of its complications by optimising glucose metabolism should be given highest priority in times of limited resources for healthcare. SMBG is perhaps a valuable tool to achieve this target.