An Analysis of the Factors Affecting the Changes in Medical Expenses Over the Past 5 Years in the Management of Out-Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

The factors affecting changes in outpatient medical costs were studied in 318 patients with type 2 diabetes who had regularly visited our department since 2008. Over a 5-year period, the medical costs significantly increased from 316,000±167,000 yen per year to 379,000±209,000 yen per year in 204 cases (64 %). The change in medical costs showed a significant positive correlation with the body mass index (BMI) and the HbA1c value, and a significant negative correlation with the medical cost, serum HDL-cholesterol concentration and the hemoglobin level at the beginning of the observation period. A multivariate analysis revealed that the medical cost, BMI and HbA1c value at the start of the observation period were significant independent factors that were associated with the change in medical costs over the five-year period. There have been no previous reports investigating the changes in medical costs among patients with type 2 diabetes. Intervention trials are considered to be necessary to determine whether the correction of body weight may suppress the increase in the medical costs of patients with type 2 diabetes.