Resource use among patients with diabetes, diabetic neuropathy, or diabetes with depression
2006

Resource Use in Diabetes Patients with Neuropathy and Depression

Sample size: 60197 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Le Trong K, Able Stephen L, Lage Maureen J

Primary Institution: Eli Lilly and Company

Hypothesis

This research aims to compare medical resources used by patients with diabetes, diabetic neuropathy, and diabetes with depression.

Conclusion

Patients with diabetic neuropathy or depression incur significantly higher medical costs compared to those with diabetes alone.

Supporting Evidence

  • Patients with diabetic neuropathy had total medical costs over five times higher than those with diabetes alone.
  • The study found significant differences in medication use among the three cohorts.
  • Individuals with diabetes and depression had higher total medical costs compared to those with diabetes alone.

Takeaway

People with diabetes and additional problems like nerve pain or depression spend a lot more on medical care than those with just diabetes.

Methodology

The study analyzed data from a large health insurance database, comparing costs and medication use among three patient cohorts.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to reliance on diagnostic codes rather than formal assessments.

Limitations

The study used administrative claims data, which may not be generalizable and lacks formal diagnostic assessments.

Participant Demographics

The majority of patients were commercially insured, with a mix of genders and regions, and the DD cohort was predominantly female.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.0001

Statistical Significance

p<0.0001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1478-7547-4-18

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