Prevalence and treatment costs of type 2 diabetes in Germany and the effects of social and demographical differences.

Treatment costs for type 2 diabetes account for a substantial amount of the expenses for statutory health care funds. Within a study sample of the year 2005, 6.8% of the insured were being treated for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Compared to the non-diabetic insured in the sample, patients included more males and older persons. Employed diabetics also showed lower mean gross salary when compared to the non-diabetic employed of the sample. In 2007, their mean costs for in- and outpatient care and drug prescriptions amounted to 2,622 Euros per patient. The impacts of social and demographical patient characteristics on total treatment costs were measured with a multiple linear regression model, controlling for the hypoglycemic therapy of the patient. Here, the impact of age, gender and intensive insulin therapy became evident. A higher annual salary had a negative, yet non-significant, effect.