A recent research published in ‘ClinicoEconomics and Outcomes Research’ aimed to predict the anticipated cost savings connected with establishing a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach to reduce macrovascular and microvascular problems among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

      The economic evaluation study form Saudi Arabia was conducted as a predictive model conceptualized by the research team based on models used in previous studies, particularly the CORE Diabetes Model. The model was designed based on the level of glycemic control among 24,755 T2DM patients served by MDTs; the expected incidence of diabetes-related complications without intervention; the predicted risk reduction of developing diabetes-related complications with MDTs. Costs of complications and cost savings were calculated and expressed as mean incremental annual cost savings adjusted for a 1% reduction in HbA1c, and a 10 mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP).

      The results of the study were interesting. Along with the expected reduction in all diabetes-related complications, the average incremental cost savings per patient with diabetes is predicted to be ($38,878) with approximately ($11,108) in the year of complication onset and ($27,770) over the subsequent post-index 10-years. On adjustment of cost savings, the average incremental cost savings are predicted to be ($22,869) for each 1% reduction in HbA1c per diabetic patient and ($27,770) for every 10 mmHg reduction in SBP.

      The researchers opined that MDT as a model of care is effective in glycemic control among T2DM patients with a predicted significant reduction of all diabetes-related complications and in turn, significant cost savings.