Abstract
Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) presents a major public health issue in Thailand, with increasing prevalence affecting quality of life and economic stability. Traditional management focused on treatment may not meet current healthcare demands.
Objectives: The purpose of this study aimed to illustrate disease burden, complications and treatment costs among T2DM patients.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 700 T2DM patients at Rajavithi Hospital. Correlation between risk of complications and treatment cost, and factors influencing treatment cost were evaluated. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and linear regression.
Results: A significant majority (92.6%) of participants had comorbidities, including hyperlipidemia hypertension and heart issues. The mean HbA1c level was 8.43%. The average annual cost per patient was approximately 699,419 Baht, with lifetime costs exceeding 1.8 million Baht. When extrapolated to the national T2DM population, the projected lifetime burden could surpass 9 trillion Baht. Higher scores from the Kidney Failure Risk Equation and the Diabetic Retinopathy Risk Assessment were associated with increased healthcare costs (p < 0.001). Patients at higher CKD risk and diabetic retinopathy experienced significantly lower quality of life, especially in Social Function, Role Emotional and Mental Component Summary domains (p < 0.001) Regression analysis identified CKD risk (≥20%), diabetic retinopathy risk, and abnormal HDL/LDL levels as significant factors associated with higher annual and lifetime treatment costs (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: This study presents a significant disease burden, complications and treatment costs among T2DM patients. Effective preventive medical care models, technologies and networks are needed to improve T2DM management.
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Recommended Citation
Leeamornsiri, Nantawut; Sarapee, Kasemsan; and Sarinnapakorn, Veerasak.
2025
Disease Burden, Complications and Treatment Costs of Poorly Controlled Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Thailand.
Asian Medical Journal and Alternative Medicine. 25,
3 (Dec. 2025 ), 30-37.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.70933/2773-9465.1266
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