title: Cost-effectiveness studies of diabetes prevention in high-risk patients.
abstract: The incidence of Type 2 diabetes is increasing annually. Impaired glucose tolerance has been described as a prediabetic state, which confers an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes along with its associated costly complications. Interventions targeted at individuals with impaired glucose tolerance can delay or prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes. Several recent studies have shown that the incidence of Type 2 diabetes is reduced by lifestyle changes or pharmacological interventions. A literature search for studies investigating the costs and cost-effectiveness of diabetes prevention was performed, and the results summarized in this review. The limited health economic evidence currently published suggests that financial concerns should not be a barrier to the implementation of diabetes prevention strategies.
authors.affiliation: Center for Outcomes Research, Buendtenmattstrasse 40, 4102 Binningen, Basel, Switzerland. ap@thecenter.ch
authors.forename: Andrew J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Palmer
authors.forename: William J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Valentine
authors.forename: Joshua A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Ray