Adjustment to insulin of patients with type Ii diabetes mellitus in primary care; good results at low cost
Van der Riet, A.A.; Harteloh, P.P.; Rutten, F.F.; Jonker, J.J.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde 139(10): 508-512
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-2162 PMID: 7891757 Document Number: 439665
Comparison of costs and results of different treatment policies for patients with diabetes mellitus type II (NIDDM) starting on insulin. Retrospective study using literature control data. Diabetes Centre Rotterdam (DCR). The effects of home treatment by the DCR were studied during one year in 52 NIDDM patients by measurement of glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) values. These effects were compared with literature data. Cost data of insulin treatment were calculated for the different policies. After one year of insulin treatment, the DCR patients had 'satisfactory' HbA1c levels according to international standards. In comparable patients treated at an outpatient clinic these values were 'poor'. Home treatment versus treatment at an outpatient clinic or during hospitalisation constituted a cost reduction of NFL 416 and NFL 2480 per patient respectively. Insulin treatment in NIDDM patients at home has at least the same effects on HbA1c values as obtained in patients treated at an outpatient clinic, and reduces costs.