[Adjustment to insulin of patients with type II diabetes mellitus in primary care; good results at low cost].
OBJECTIVE
Comparison of costs and results of different treatment policies for patients with diabetes mellitus type II (NIDDM) starting on insulin.


METHODS
Retrospective study using literature control data.


METHODS
Diabetes Centre Rotterdam (DCR).


METHODS
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.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
van der Riet
A A
AA
Erasmus Universiteit, Instituut voor Medical Technology Assessment, Rotterdam.
Harteloh
P P
PP
Rutten
F F
FF
Jonker
J J
JJ
D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000191:economics; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016527:Drug Costs; D005260:Female; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D007328:Insulin
Instelling op insuline van patiënten met diabetes mellitus type II in de eerste lijn; goede resultaten bij geringe kosten.