Implementing intensive control of blood glucose concentration and blood pressure in type 2 diabetes in England: cost analysis (UKPDS 63).

Abstract

To estimate the incremental cost of implementing policies for intensive control of blood glucose concentration and blood pressure for all patients with type 2 diabetes in England. Extrapolation of resource use and cost data derived from a randomised controlled trial. General practice, outpatient care, and inpatient care. Trial population with diagnosed type 2 diabetes in England extrapolated to the population of England. Total costs based on use of healthcare resources including costs of management, treatment, and hospitalisation. The incremental net annual cost of implementing intensive control of blood glucose and blood pressure to all people with diagnosed type 2 diabetes in England is estimated to be pound 100.5m ($156m; euro;159m), which is equivalent to less than 1% of the proposed additional annual expenditure on the NHS in 2001-5. This estimate varied in sensitivity analyses from pound 67m to pound 121m. Policies to improve control of blood glucose and blood pressure of people with type 2 diabetes are effective in reducing complications associated with the disease and are also cost effective. The total cost represents a small fraction of the NHS's spending plans.