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

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Abstract

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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut für Prävention und Gesundheitsförderung, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Rellinghauser Str. 93, 45128, Essen, Germany

    D. T. Sittig & H. Friedel

  2. Alfried Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach-Stiftungslehrstuhl für Medizinmanagement, Wirtschaftswissenschaftliche Fakultät, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Campus Essen, Essen, Germany

    J. Wasem

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  1. D. T. Sittig
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  2. H. Friedel
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Correspondence to D. T. Sittig.

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Sittig, D.T., Friedel, H. & Wasem, J. Prevalence and treatment costs of type 2 diabetes in Germany and the effects of social and demographical differences. Eur J Health Econ 16, 305–311 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10198-014-0575-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10198-014-0575-7

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