The healthcare and economic burden associated with inadequate risk factor control for type 2 diabetes in Hong Kong: A population-based modelling study.

AIM: To estimate the healthcare and economic burden associated with improved risk factor control for people with type 2 diabetes in Hong Kong over 10 years.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

We obtained population-based data from electronic healthcare records of the Hong Kong Hospital Authority. Risk factor targets were defined by American Diabetes Association guidelines. We applied a validated patient-level diabetes outcomes model (Chinese Hong Kong Integrated Modelling and Evaluation) to estimate the health and economic outcomes for all individuals with type 2 diabetes (n = 526 672) in Hong Kong in 2021. Immediate risk factor control was compared to baseline over 10 years. Costs were estimated from a healthcare provider perspective.

RESULTS

Most people (84.9%) failed to achieve optimal combined risk factors control (glycated haemoglobin, blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol) at baseline. Combined control was associated with population-level increases in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of 17 605 and healthcare cost savings of US$ 106.7 million over 10 years. Glycaemic control solely yielded the greatest QALY increases and had the highest cost savings (US$ 29.0 million) over 10 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The substantial population health and economic burden of inadequate risk factor control for individuals with diabetes in Hong Kong can potentially be mitigated through enhanced adherence, highlighting the need for effective and intensive interventions.