Estimating the Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on Worker Productivity Using Self-Report, Electronic Health Record and Human Resource Data.

Abstract

We assessed the relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM) and measures of worker productivity, direct health care costs, and costs associated with lost productivity (LP) among health care industry workers across two integrated health care systems. We used data from the Value Based Benefit Design Health and Wellness Study Phase II (VBD), a prospective study of employees surveyed across health systems. Survey and health care utilization data were linked to estimate LP and health care utilization costs. Mean marginal lost productive time per week was 0.56 hours higher for respondents with DM. Mean adjusted monthly total health care utilization costs were $467 higher for respondents with DM. The impact of DM is reflected in higher rates of LP and higher indirect costs for employers related to LP and higher health care resource use.