CS03-04 - The Economic Consequences of Comorbid Diabetes and Depression

Abstract

Diabetes and depression on their own are debilitating and costly diseases. Their co-existance presents further treatment and funding challenges. This session will provide an overview of the economic dimensions of this comorbid relationship and present the findings of a systematic review of evidence related to this. The review found a growing literature demonstrating: increased resource use and health care costs, unemployment and lost productivity; poorer quality of life; and a higher risk of mortality arising from the co-existance of these illnesses. While there are some good quality studies evaluating the efficacy/effectiveness of various treatments, few include an economic evaluation and the generalisability of those is unclear. Therefore, while the evidence suggests little doubt of the broad-ranging economic impacts on patients, health care systems and wider society, there is still a gap regarding the cost-effectiveness of alternative approaches to the treatment and long-term management of this comorbidity within the context of limited health care budgets.