The economic and social burden of insulin in a period of economic recession

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a global public health crisis that threatens the economies of all nations, particularly developing countries. The growing demand for insulin therapy has created an economic burden thus impacting on equality. Objectives: The aim of the study is to determine the impact of the removal of Glargine U100 insulin (GI) due to an economic recession among patients with T2D attending a primary care in North Trinidad. Design and Methodology: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in Chronic Disease Clinics across the Arima Cluster of the North Central Regional Health Authority. All patients who were T2 diabetics on insulin therapy were eligible for entry. Patients were selected using systematic sampling to fulfill a sample size of 250. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from there medical records. Results: The major finding of the study was 75% of patients who started insulin therapy with GI while it was freely available elected to convert to premixed insulin (PMI) 70/30 by 2017. An important finding included a disproportionate number of women (72%) compared to men (28%) who advanced to insulin therapy. Conclusion: We provide evidence on the burden of a subgroup of patients with T2D as well as generating opportunities for debate on the rational allocation of resources.