Changes in lifestyle behaviors during COVID-19 isolation in Argentina: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to identify changes in population habits induced by COVID-19 confinement in Argentina. METHODS: An internet-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among adults in Argentina on December 2020, requesting possible changes occurring during the COVID-19 outbreak. It included 26 questions regarding general information (age, gender, location), eating habits, desire/anxiety for food or to eat between meals, weight gain, physical activity, and hours of sleep. We ran a descriptive statistical analysis of changes in habits and lifestyle during the confinement, followed by a logistic regression analysis to explore the relation between these changes and weight gain. Results: Out of 1536 survey participants, 57.1% were female, aged 38.8 ± 13.1 years. Data showed that during the outbreak, people experienced significant changes in food intake, physical activity, nutritional supplement consumption, anxiety, and sleeping disorders. These changes in behavior resulted in an elevated percentage of people (39.7%) that gained weight (average 4.8 ± 2.8 kg). Weight gain was associated with more food consumption (OR: 9.398), increased snacking between meals (OR: 1.536), anxiety about food (OR: 3.180), less practice of physical activity (OR: 0.586) and less consumption of nutritional supplements (OR: 0.762). Conclusions: COVID-19 outbreak was associated with unhealthy lifestyle changes and body weight increase. These adverse side effects could be prevented by active promotion of nutritional advice and physical activity, implementing virtual activities associated with regular mass promotion campaigns.

Aislamiento por Covid-19 en el Amba y en el resto del pais: estudio transversal de cambios en el hábitos y estilo de vida / Isolation by Covid-19 in the Amba and the rest of the country: cross-sectional study of changes in habits and lifestyle

Introducción: el confinamiento impuesto para disminuir la propagación de la COVID-19 induce cambios de hábitos y estilos de vida no saludables. Objetivos: verificar cambios asociados al confinamiento en los hábitos alimentarios y estilo de vida en la población argentina, y sus diferencias entre el área metropolitana de Buenos Aires (AMBA) y el resto del país. Materiales y métodos: estudio transversal, descriptivo y analítico, mediante una encuesta "en línea" (diciembre de 2020) realizada a adultos residentes en Argentina. Se relevó edad, género y lugar de residencia, así como los cambios registrados respecto del peso, hábitos alimentarios, actividad física, deseo por comer y calidad del sueño. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de las encuestas válidas recibidas (N=1.536), y se verificaron diferencias entre las regiones mediante pruebas paramétricas y no paramétricas, considerando significativo p<0,05.Resultados: el 75,1% de los participantes fue mujer (38,8±13,1 años), el 60,5% del AMBA y 39,5% del resto del país. El aislamiento se asoció a cambios que impactaron en lo psicológico, estrés, hábitos saludables y sueño, con algunas diferencias regionales significativas. Sin embargo, la resultante final común entre AMBA y el resto del país fue el mayor aumento de la ingesta calórica y la disminución de actividad física que condujo a que el 39,7% de los participantes aumentara su peso (media 4,8±2,8 kg). Conclusiones: el aislamiento se asoció con efectos secundarios indeseables que podrían disminuirse mediante la promoción virtual de hábitos saludables que, simultáneamente, disminuirían el aumento de la obesidad y la diabetes

Introduction: the confinement imposed to reduce the spread of COVID-19 induces changes in habits and unhealthy lifestyles. Objectives: to verify changes associated with confinement in eating habits and lifestyle in the Argentine population and their differences between the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires (AMBA) and the rest of the country. Materials and methods: cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study, through an "online" survey (December 2020) carried out on adults residing in Argentina. Age, gender and place of residence were surveyed, as well as the changes registered regarding weight, eating habits, physical activity, desire to eat and quality of sleep. A descriptive analysis of the valid surveys received (N=1,536) was carried out, verifying differences between the regions using parametric and nonparametric tests, considering significant p<0.05. Results: 75.1% of the participants were women (38.8±13.1 years), 60.5% from the AMBA and 39.5% from the rest of the country. Isolation was associated with changes that impacted on the psychological, stress, healthy habits, and sleep, with some significant regional differences. However, the common end result between AMBA and the rest of the country was the greater increase in caloric intake and the decrease in physical activity that led to 39.7% of the participants increasing their weight (mean 4.8±2,8 kg). Conclusions: isolation was associated with undesirable side effects, which could be diminished through the virtual promotion of healthy habits that would simultaneously decrease the growth of obesity and diabetes

The triad macrosomia, obesity, and hypertriglyceridemia in gestational diabetes.

AIMS: Offspring of women with gestational diabetes (GD) have more macrosomia than newborns of normal mothers. We studied macrosomia frequency, possible pathogenesis, and main predictors of its appearance at different gestational ages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1870 pregnant women with GD were recruited in primary care centres and maternity hospitals in the Argentine provinces of Corrientes, Chaco, Buenos Aires, and in Buenos Aires City; 1088 completed gestation and delivered an infant. We collected clinical and metabolic data, personal and obstetric history, and gestational and delivery characteristics. Presence of macrosomia was analysed in the whole population, the entire pregnancy, and in each trimester of gestation. Data were statistically analysed and values were expressed as mean ± SD and percentages. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee and all participants signed informed consent. RESULTS: Macrosomia was found in 12.9% of newborns and obesity in all mothers with no significant differences between mothers with/without macrosomic offspring. In early pregnancy, the main significant indicators of macrosomia were: history of dyslipidaemia (5.6% vs 1.2%, respectively) and macrosomia in previous pregnancies (27% vs 13%, respectively). However, the third trimester showed a significant combination of higher BMI, FBG, and triglycerides. CONCLUSIONS: Offspring of women with GD presented macrosomia in 12.9% of cases, maternal history of dyslipidaemia and macrosomia in previous pregnancies being early predictors. The combination of maternal obesity, FBG, and hypertriglyceridemia became significant during the last trimester of pregnancy.

Diabetes management and treatment approaches outside of North America and West Europe in 2006 and 2015.

AIMS: The impact of introducing new classes of glucose-lowering medication (GLM) on diabetes management remains unclear, especially outside North America and Western Europe. Therefore, we aimed to analyse trends in glycaemic control and the usage of new and old GLMs in people with type 2 diabetes from 2006 to 2015. METHODS: Summary data from clinical services from nine countries outside North America and Western Europe were collected and pooled for statistical analysis. Each site summarized individual-level data from out-patient medical records for 2006 and 2015. Data included: demographics; HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose levels; and the proportions of patients taking GLM as monotherapy, combination therapy and/or insulin. RESULTS: Between 2006 and 2015, glycaemic control remained stable, although body mass index and duration of diabetes increased in most sites. The proportion of people on GLM increased, and the therapeutic regimens became more complex. There were increases in the use of insulin and triple therapy in most sites, while monotherapy, particularly in relation to sulphonylureas, decreased. Despite the introduction of new GLMs, such as DPP-4 inhibitors, insulin use increased over time. CONCLUSIONS: There was no clear evidence that the use of new classes of GLMs was associated with improvements in glycaemic control or reduced the reliance on insulin. These findings were consistent across a range of economic and geographic settings.

Drug treatment of type 2 diabetes: Its cost is significantly associated with HbA1c levels.

AIMS: To examine the relationship between costs of hyperglycaemia drug treatment and glycemic control amongst people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). METHODS: This observational study utilised data from the QUALIDIAB database on 3,452 T2D patients seen in Diabetes Centers in Argentina. Patients were classified according to their HbA1c value into two groups: on target (OT; HbA1c ≤ 7%), and not on target (NOT; HbA1c > 7%); within each category we considered clinical and metabolic indicators, as well as type of hyperglycaemia treatment. Monthly expenditure on drugs was estimated by micro-costing. Multivariable regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between cost of hyperglycaemia treatment and HbA1c values. RESULTS: In total, 48.9% of the participants have HbA1c OT values. Overall monthly per capita costs of this treatment increased significantly (134%) in the NOT group. Multivariable regression analysis showed that expenditure for hyperglycaemia drugs treatment was significant associated with glycemic control (OR: 0.705), diabetes duration (OR: 1.017), systolic blood pressure (OR: 1.006) and treatment of T2D (OR: 2.622). CONCLUSIONS: HbA1c NOT significantly increases drugs monthly cost of hyperglycaemia treatment in people with T2D in a country with an emerging market economy.

Clinical and Economic Value of p16INK4a for the Differential Diagnosis of Morphologic Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia 2.

The detection of high-grade intraepithelial lesions requires highly sensitive and specific methods that allow more accurate diagnoses. This contributes to a proper management of preneoplastic lesions, thus avoiding overtreatment. The purpose of this study was to analyze the value of immunostaining for p16 in the morphologic assessment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 lesions, to help differentiate between low-grade (p16-negative) and high-grade (p16-positive) squamous intraepithelial lesions. The direct medical cost of the treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 morphologic lesions was estimated. A retrospective observational cross-sectional study was carried out. This study analyzed 46 patients treated with excisional procedures because of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 lesions, using loop electrosurgical excision procedures. Immunostaining for the biomarker was performed. For the estimation of overtreatment, percentages (%) and their 95% confidence interval were calculated. Of the 41 patients analyzed, 32 (78%) showed overexpression of p16 and 9 (22%) were negative (95% confidence interval, 11%-38%). Mean follow-up was 2.9 years, using cervical cytology testing (Pap) and colposcopy. High-risk human papillomavirus DNA tests were performed in 83% of patients. These retrospective results reveal the need for larger biopsy samples, which would allow a more accurate prediction of lesion risk. Considering the cost of p16 staining, and assuming the proper management of the low-grade lesion, an average of US$919 could be saved for each patient with a p16-negative result, which represents a global direct cost reduction of 10%.

Educación terapéutica de mujeres con diabetes gestacional (EDUGEST): datos correspondientes al período de reclutamiento / Education of pregnant women with gestational diabetes (EDUGEST): data collected in the recruitment period

Introducción: la prevalencia de diabetes gestacional (DG) en Argentina es de 4,7%, lo que implica mayor riesgo de desarrollar complicaciones tanto maternas como del recién nacido, prevenibles mediante un diagnóstico precoz y un tratamiento oportuno. Objetivos: promover la consulta precoz, el diagnóstico oportuno y el tratamiento adecuado mediante un programa de educación estructurado y multidisciplinario a nivel de Centros de Atención Primaria de la Salud (CAPs) y maternidades. Materiales y métodos: se reclutaron embarazadas con DG en CAPs y maternidades de Buenos Aires, Corrientes, Chaco y Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (CABA), con la participación de obstetras, diabetólogos, enfermeras, asistentes sociales, educadores, nutricionistas y médicos comunitarios. Para el diagnóstico de DG se aplicaron los criterios de la Asociación Latinoamérica de Diabetes (ALAD) y se relevaron simultáneamente hábitos nutricionales y parámetros clínicos, metabólicos y terapéuticos. También se desarrollaron cursos de educación y seguimiento durante el embarazo, parto, postparto y lactancia. Resultados: las embarazadas con DG consultaron tardíamente (la mayoría en el tercer trimestre de embarazo) y presentaron factores de riesgo para DG no prevenibles (el más frecuente fue el antecedente familiar de diabetes) y prevenibles (obesidad, hipertrigliceridemia y macrosomía) en embarazos previos. Conclusiones: el EduGest pretende interrumpir el círculo vicioso generado por la DG sobre la futura diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en la madre y el niño al promover la adopción de hábitos saludables

Introduction: in Argentina the prevalence of gestational diabetes (GD) is 4.7%, accounting for a higher risk of developing complications in both the mother and the baby which could be prevented by early diagnosis and timely treatment. Objectives: to promote early consultation, timely diagnosis and adequate treatment through a structured and multidisciplinary education Program in Primary Healthcare (PHU) and maternity (PMU) units. Materials and methods: pregnant women with DG were recruited in PHU and PMU from Buenos Aires, Corrientes, Chaco and CABA, Argentina. The program included the participation of obstetricians, diabetologists, nurses, social workers, educators, nutritionists and community doctors. The ALAD diagnostic criteria for DG were applied. Simultaneously, nutritional habits, clinical, metabolic and therapeutic parameters were recorded. Education and follow-up courses were developed during pregnancy, delivery, after delivery and breastfeeding. Results: late consultation was frequent in pregnant women with GD (mainly during the third trimester), who presented both non-preventable (the most frequent being family history of diabetes) and preventable (obesity, hypertriglyceridemia and macrosomia) risk factors for GD in previous pregnancies. Conclusions: EduGest is aimed at breaking the vicious circle of DG on the future development of type 2 diabetes in the mother and the baby by promoting the adoption of healthy habits

Diabetes primary prevention program: New insights from data analysis of recruitment period.

BACKGROUND: Primary Prevention of Diabetes Program in Buenos Aires Province evaluates the effectiveness of adopting healthy lifestyle to prevent type 2 diabetes (T2D) in people at high risk of developing it. We aimed to present preliminary data analysis of FINDRISC and laboratory measurements taken during recruitment of people for the Primary Prevention of Diabetes Program in Buenos Aires Province in the cities of La Plata, Berisso, and Ensenada, Argentina. METHODS: People were recruited through population approach (house-to-house survey by FINDRISC in randomized areas) and opportunistic approach (FINDRISC completed by participants during consultations for nonrelated prediabetes/diabetes symptoms in public and private primary care centres of cities involved). In people with FINDRISC score ≥ 13 points, we evaluated blood concentrations of HbA1c , creatinine, lipids, and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). RESULTS: Approximately 3415 individuals completed the FINDRISC populational survey and 344 the opportunistic survey; 43% of the 2 groups scored over 13 points; 2.8 and 75.4% of them, respectively, took the prescribed OGTT. Approximately 53.7% of the OGTT showed normal values and 5.2% unknown T2D. The remaining cases showed 69.5% impaired fasting glucose, 13.6% impaired glucose tolerance, and 16.9% both impairments. HbA1c values showed significant differences compared with normal glucose tolerance (4.96 ± 0.43%), prediabetes (5.28 ± 0.51%), and T2D (5.60 ± 0.51%). Participants with prediabetes and T2D showed a predominant increase in low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol values. In prediabetes, >50% showed insulin resistance. CONCLUSIONS: People with prediabetes/T2D had dyslipidemia associated with insulin resistance, which promotes the development of T2D and cardiovascular disease. Thus, it merits its appropriate treatment.

Improving diabetes care at primary care level with a multistrategic approach: results of the DIAPREM programme.

AIM: To present results, 1 year postimplementation at primary care level, of an integrated diabetes care programme including systemic changes, education, registry (clinical, metabolic, and therapeutic indicators), and disease management (DIAPREM). METHODS: We randomly selected and trained 15 physicians and 15 nurses from primary care units of La Matanza County (intervention-IG) and another 15 physicians/nurses to participate as controls (control-CG). Each physician-nurse team controlled and followed up 10 patients with type 2 diabetes for 1 year; both groups used structured medical records. Patients in IG had quarterly clinical appointments, whereas those in CG received traditional care. Statistical data analysis included parametric/nonparametric tests according to data distribution profile and Chi-squared test for proportions. RESULTS: After 12 months, the dropout rate was significantly lower in IG than in CG. Whereas in IG HbA1c, blood pressure and lipid profile levels significantly decreased, no changes were recorded in CG. Drug prescriptions showed no significant changes in IG except a decrease in oral monotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: DIAPREM is an expedient and simple multistrategic model to implement at the primary care level in order to decrease patient dropout and improve control and treatment adherence, and quality of care of people with diabetes.

Frequency of self-monitoring blood glucose and attainment of HbA1c target values.

AIMS: Test strips for self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) represent in Argentina, around 50 % of diabetes treatment cost; the frequency of their use is closely associated with hyperglycemia treatment. However, the favorable impact of SMBG on attainment of HbA1c goal in different treatment conditions remains controversial. We therefore attempted to estimate the relationship between use of SMBG test strips and degree of attainment of metabolic control in an institution of our social security subsector (SSS) in which provision is fully covered and submitted to a regular audit system. METHODS: Observational retrospective study using information of 657 patients with T2DM (period 2009-2010) from the database of the Diabetes and Other Cardiovascular Risk Factors Program (DICARO) of one institution of our SSS. DICARO provides-with an audit system-100 % coverage for all drugs and keeps records of clinical, metabolic and treatment data from every patient. RESULTS: The average monthly test strips/patient used for SMBG increased as a function of treatment intensification: Monotherapy with oral antidiabetic drugs (OAD) < combined OAD therapy < insulin treatment. In every condition, the number was larger in people with target HbA1c levels. Test strips represented the larger percentage of total prescription cost. CONCLUSIONS: In our population, the type of hyperglycemia treatment was the main driver of test strip use for SMBG; in every condition tested, targeted HbA1c values were associated with greater strip use. Patient education and prescription audit may optimize its use and treatment outcomes.

Self-monitoring of blood glucose: use, frequency drivers, and cost in Argentina.

Although test strips for self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) represent around 50% of diabetes treatment cost in Argentina, little is known about their current use and relationship with different types of treatment. We therefore aimed to estimate the current use of test strips and identify the major use drivers and the percentage they represent of total prescription costs in 2 entities of the social security system (SSS) of Argentina. Observational retrospective study measuring test strip prescriptions delivered by pharmacies from the province of Buenos Aires (8115 records collected during 3 months provided by the Colegio de Farmacéuticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aires) of affiliates with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) from 2 large entities of the SSS system. The average monthly test strips/patient used for SMBG was 97.5 ± 70.1. This number varied according to treatment: monotherapy with oral antidiabetic drugs (OAD) < combined OAD therapy < insulin treatment. Test strips represented a higher percentage of the total prescription cost in people under OAD monotherapy (84.6%) and lower in those with insulin analogs (46.9%). In our population, the type of hyperglycemia treatment was the main driver of test strip use for SMBG and its impact on the total prescription cost depends on the kind of such treatment. Since it has been shown that patients' education and prescription audit can optimize test strip use and treatment outcomes, implementation of such strategies could appropriately support, optimize, and reduce ineffective test strip use in people with T2DM.

Direct and indirect costs associated to type 2 diabetes and its complications measured in a social security institution of Argentina.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate direct and indirect costs of care of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and its complications in Argentina, and compare them with those recorded in people without diabetes (ND). METHODS: Observational retrospective case-control study performed in one institution of the Social Security System of Argentina. Participants were identified and randomly selected from the Institution's electronic medical records. We recruited persons with T2DM with (387) or without (387) chronic complications and 774 ND, matched by age and gender. Data were obtained by telephone interviews and supplemented with data from the Institution's records. Parametric and non-parametric tests were used for group comparisons. RESULTS: Direct costs were higher in people with T2DM than in ND: twice as high in people with T2DM without complications and 3.6 times in those with complications. Absenteeism was only higher in T2DM with complications, but there were no differences among groups either in the duration or in the cost of such absenteeism. CONCLUSIONS: T2DM and the development of its complications are positively associated with higher direct costs in Argentina.

Association between socioeconomic status, type 2 diabetes and its chronic complications in Argentina.

AIM: To compare the socioeconomic status (SES) of people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in Argentina (Córdoba) with and without major chronic complications of diabetes, with that recorded in persons without diabetes matched by age and gender. METHODS: For this descriptive and analytic case-control study, potential candidates were identified from the electronic records of one institution of the Social Security System of the city of Córdoba. We identified and recruited 387 persons each with T2DM with or without chronic complications and 774 gender- and age-matched persons without T2DM (recruitment rate, 83%). Data were obtained by telephone interviews and supplemented with data from the institution's records. Group comparisons were performed with parametric or non-parametric tests as appropriate. We used ordinary least squares to regress household income and the difference between income and household expenses on diabetes status, age, sex, education and body mass index. RESULTS: Persons with T2DM, particularly those with complications, reported fewer years of general education (13.6±4.2 years vs. 12.2±4.4 years), a lower percentage of full time jobs (43.0% vs. 26.9%), lower salaries and monthly household income among those with full-time jobs (> 5000 ARG$: 52.6% vs. 24.5%), and a higher propensity to spend more money than they earned (expenditure/income ratio≥1: 10.2% vs. 16.0%). The percentage of unmarried people was also higher among people with type 2 diabetes (7.0% vs. 10.9%). CONCLUSION: T2DM and the development of its complications are each positively associated with lower SES and greater economic distress in Argentina.

The burden of diabetes in Argentina.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the economic burden of diabetes in Argentina by age, gender and region for the year 2005, in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). METHODS: DALYs were estimated by the sum of years of life lost due to premature death (YLL) and years of life lived with disability (YLD). RESULTS: In the population studied (20 to 85 years), the burden of diabetes without complications was 1.3 million DALYs, 85% of which were caused by disabilities. Whereas mortality rates (YLL) increased as a function of age, YLD showed the opposite relationship. Women had higher burden of disease values, represented by 51 and 61% of YLL and YLD, respectively, independently of age. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that disabilities are a key component of diabetes burden; its regular and systematic estimation would allow to design effective prevention strategies, to assess the impact of their implementation and to optimize resource allocation based on objective evidence.

Diabetes in Argentina: cost and management of diabetes and its complications and challenges for health policy.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is an expensive disease in Argentina as well as worldwide, and its prevalence is continuously rising affecting the quality of life of people with the disease and their life expectancy. It also imposes a heavy burden to the national health care budget and on the economy in the form of productivity losses. AIMS: To review and discuss a) the reported evidence on diabetes prevalence, the degree of control, the cost of care and outcomes, b) available strategies to decrease the health and economic disease burden, and c) how the disease fits in the Argentinian health care system and policy. Finally, to propose evidence-based policy options to reduce the burden of diabetes, both from an epidemiological as well as an economic perspective, on the Argentinian society. The evidence presented is expected to help the local authorities to develop and implement effective diabetes care programmes. METHODOLOGY: A comprehensive literature review was performed using databases such as MEDLINE, EMBASE and LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences). Literature published from 1980 to 2011 was included. This information was complemented with grey literature, including data from national and provincial official sources, personal communications and contacts with health authorities and diabetes experts in Argentina. RESULTS: Overall diabetes prevalence increased from 8.4% in 2005 to 9.6% 2009 at national level. In 2009, diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death with a mortality rate of 19.2 per 100,000 inhabitants, and it accounted for 1,328,802 DALYs lost in the adult population, mainly affecting women aged over fifty. The per capita hospitalisation cost for people with diabetes was significantly higher than for people without the disease, US$ 1,628 vs. US$ 833 in 2004. Evidence shows that implementation of combined educative interventions improved quality of care and outcomes, decreased treatment costs and optimised the use of economic resources. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the evidence reviewed, we believe that the implementation of structured health care programmes including diabetes education at every level, could improve quality of care as well as its clinical, metabolic and economic outcomes. If implemented across the country, these programmes could decrease the disease burden and optimise the use of human and economic resources.

Changes in quality of care and costs induced by implementation of a diabetes program in a social security entity of Argentina.

PURPOSE: To measure the impact of a diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors program implemented in a social security institution upon short- and long-term clinical/metabolic outcomes and costs of care. METHODS: Observational longitudinal cohort analysis of clinical/metabolic data and resource use of 300 adult male and female program participants with diabetes before (baseline) and 1 and 3 years after implementation of the program. Data were obtained from clinical records (Qualidiab) and the administration's database. RESULTS: The implementation of the program in "real world" conditions resulted in an immediate and sustainable improvement of the quality of care provided to people with diabetes incorporated therein. We also recorded a more appropriate oral therapy prescription for hyperglycemia and cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs), as well as a decrease of events related to chronic complications. This improvement was associated with an increased use of diagnostic and therapeutic resources, particularly those related to pharmacy prescriptions, not specifically used for the control of hyperglycemia and other CVRFs. CONCLUSION: The implementation of a diabetes program in real-world conditions results in a significant short- and long-term improvement of the quality of care provided to people with diabetes and other CVRFs, but simultaneously increased the use of resources and the cost of diagnostic and therapeutic practices. Since controlled studies have shown improvement in quality of care without increasing costs, our results suggest the need to include management-control strategies in these programs for appropriate medical and administrative feedback to ensure the simultaneous improvement of clinical outcomes and optimization of the use of resources.

Treatment of type 2 diabetes with saxagliptin: a pharmacoeconomic evaluation in Argentina.

BACKGROUND: The increasing prevalence of diabetes and its inadequate management results in a heavy burden of the disease for the patients, the health and the productive system and the overall community. Consequently, it is necessary to have new effective drugs to treat people with diabetes to decrease such burden. DPP-4 inhibitors can help to cope with this demand, but its usage is challenged by its apparent high cost. The aim of the current study was to compare a simulated cost-effectiveness ratio of metformin (MET) plus one drug of the DPP-4 inhibitors family, saxagliptin (SAXA) or sulfonylurea (SU) treatment during a 20-year period, from the perspective of the social security system, in a cohort of people with Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) who did not attain glycosylated hemoglobin treatment target values only with MET. METHODS: A discrete event simulation model (Cardiff diabetes model) based on UKPDS 68 was used to simulate disease progression and to estimate the economic and health treatment consequences in people with T2DM. The clinical efficacy parameters for SAXA administration were obtained from the literature; local standard costs were considered for drug acquisition, adverse events (AEs), and micro/macrovascular complications. Costs were expressed in US dollars (2009) with an annual 3.5% discount and a 20-year time horizon. RESULTS: The SAXA + MET treated group had a lower number of non-fatal events than the SU + MET treated group. The model also predicted a lower number of fatal macrovascular events for the SAXA + MET group (149.6 vs. 152.8). The total cost of the SAXA + MET cohort was 15% higher than that of the SU + MET cohort. Treatment with SAXA + MET resulted in a higher number of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) (9.54 vs. 9.32) and life-years gained (LYGs) (20.84 vs. 20.76) compared to those treated with SU + MET. The incremental cost per QALY and LYG gained was $7,374 and $20,490, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: According to the criteria proposed by the Commission on Macroeconomics and Health, the use of the combination SAXA + MET is highly cost-effective in Argentina.

Evaluación económica del tratamiento de diabetes tipo 2 con saxagliptina en Colombia / Economic evaluation of type 2 diabetes treatment with saxagliptin in Colombia

Objetivo: Determinar la relación costo efectividad incremental del agregado de saxagliptina o sulfonilureas en Colombia a personas con DMT2 que no logran alcanzar metas glucémicas con metformina, durante un período máximo de 20 años. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio de costo efectividad, utilizando un modelo de simulación de eventos discretos con incremento de tiempo fijo (Diabetes Cardiff Model). Las características de la cohorte de pacientes y el perfil de eficacia para cada tratamiento se obtuvieron de la literatura. El costo de los medicamentos se obtuvo de SISMED y Farmaprecios. Los costos de los eventos macro y microvasculares se basaron en el POS, Manual Tarifario SOAT y consulta con experto local. La tasa de descuento en costos y beneficios fue 3,5 por ciento. Resultados: En el grupo tratado con saxagliptina registramos menos eventos fatales y no fatales y menos episodios de hipoglucemia. En ambas estrategias los mayores costos correspondieron a los medicamentos, seguidos por los asociados al tratamiento del infarto de miocardio. El costo incremental de la terapia con saxagliptina fue de US$ 555.552 a 20 años. El tratamiento con saxagliptina redundó en un mayor número de Años de Vida Ajustados por Calidad (AVAC) y Años de Vida Ganados (AVG), respecto al obtenido con sulfonilureas. El costo por AVAC fue de US$ 2.190. Los resultados de costo efectividad fueron robustos al análisis de sensibilidad. Conclusión: El agregado de saxagliptina a pacientes que no logran un control glucémico adecuado con metformina, es muy costo efectiva comparada con el agregado de sulfonilureas.

Objective: To determine in Colombia, the cost effectiveness ratio of the saxagliptin or sulphonylureas addition to patients with T2DM who fail to achieve glycemic goals with metformin, for a maximum period of 20 years. Methods: We performed a cost effectiveness analysis, using a discrete event simulation model with fixed time step (Cardiff Diabetes Model). The characteristics of the cohort of patients and efficacy profile for each treatment were obtained from the literature. The cost of medication was obtained from SISMED and Farmaprecios. The costs of macro and microvascular events were based on POS tariffs, SOAT Manual and consultation with local expert. The discount rate on costs and benefits was 3.5 percent. Results: The group treated with saxagliptin had fewer fatal and nonfatal events and fewer episodes of hypoglycemia than the one with sulfonylureas. In both strategies the higher cost corresponds to the drugs, followed by those associated with the treatment of myocardial infarction. The incremental cost of saxagliptin therapy was US$ 555.552 to 20 years. Saxagliptin treatment resulted in a greater number of quality-adjusted life year (QALYs) and life-years gained (LYG) than that obtained with sulfonylureas. The cost per QALY was US$ 2,190. Cost-effectiveness results were robust to sensitivity analysis. Conclusion: Addition of saxagliptin to patients who do not achieve adequate glycemic control with metformin, is highly cost-effective compared with the addition of sulphonylureas.