Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Diabetes mellitus presents a pervasive global health challenge, and Tunisia grapples with a concerning upswing in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Cardiovascular and renal complications stand out as prevalent and severe outcomes linked to T2D. Evaluating the costs associated with managing these complications in T2D patients is pivotal for improving care quality, optimizing resource allocation, and ultimately mitigating the escalating economic and social burden of this chronic disease.

Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective descriptive study to gather data on diabetic patients with chronic cardiovascular and renal complications. The study included patients hospitalized in the Endocrinology Department of Hedi Chaker University Hospital in Sfax from January 1 to December 31, 2022. The aim was to assess the costs associated with managing cardiovascular and renal complications in our hospitalized patients.

Results: Our study comprised 114 patients, with cardiovascular and renal complications being the predominant category, affecting 53 individuals (46.5%). Cardiovascular complications alone were observed in 37 patients, constituting 32.5%, while renal complications alone were present in 24 patients, accounting for 21% of the sample. In our patient sample, the vast majority (93%) had social coverage, with 71% insured through the National Health Insurance Fund (64.9%) or the National Social Security Fund (6.1%). Additionally, 22% were considered indigent, benefitting from social coverage provided by the Ministry of Social Affairs. Only 7% of our study population lacked any social coverage. The average hospitalization duration was 7.2±4.5 days, with a minimum stay of 2 days and a maximum stay of 26 days. The overall direct cost of hospital management for cardiovascular and renal complications of diabetes in our population amounted to 256,096.18 TND, equivalent to 81,300.37 USD. This translated to an average cost per patient of approximately 2,246.46 TND, or 713.16 USD for an average hospitalization duration of 7 days. The daily cost was 320.92 TND or 101.88 USD. On a global scale, cardiovascular explorations represented the most significant portion of direct costs, encompassing 69.65% of the overall expenses. Conversely, glycemic monitoring was the least expensive, accounting for only 0.63% of the total costs.

Conclusion: Our comprehensive cost analysis of managing cardiovascular and renal complications in diabetic patients reveals significant economic implications. Optimizing healthcare strategies is imperative to alleviate the financial burden and enhance patient outcomes.