Investigation of Economic and Social Impact on Adult Patients With Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) applies a heavy economic as well as physical and psychological burden to affected individuals. Alongside the Physically Disabled Persons' Welfare Act has emerged, as a potential means of economic assistance for individuals with TID. A questionnaire survey in 183 adults on the economic and social impact of T1D showed that while 98.4 % of the patients had nearly achieved their expected social life, the impact of T1D on their education, employment, quality of life and economic burden was far from negligible. Notably, more than 50 % suggested that their economic status may have adversely affected the medical treatments afforded them, thus raising concern about the risk of progression of associated diabetic complications. Of all public funds available, disability pension was the most frequently applied for by these adult patients; however, it benefited only 10 % of the applicants. This suggests that the current program may be insufficient as a financial assistance program. These findings should help establish further financial assistance programs for T1D patients.