The economic impact of increased use of flash glucose monitors

16 Apr

The economic impact of increased use of flash glucose monitors

Original title: Omkostninger og gevinster ved øget brug af flash glukosemålere

Diabetes patients must measure their glycaemic levels multiple times every day in order measure their blood glucose levels and keep it stable through e.g. food or insulin. Today, diabetes patients often measure their blood glucose levels via the simple finger prick method, which means that the patient must prick their finger with a needle and measure their glycaemic levels with a glucose-monitoring device. Diabetes patients often find this finger-pricking method troublesome and stigmatising. In light of this, flash glucose monitoring has been introduced. Flash glucose monitoring is a new way to measure the blood glucose level without drawing blood through the prick of a needle. The patient can instead scan a sensor placed on the back of the upper arm, which by many patients is a preferred way to measure blood glucose levels.

Despite the positive feedback from patients using flash glucose monitors, the monitors are not offered to diabetes patients in Denmark because the technology is more expensive than the finger-pricking method. On the back of this, Copenhagen Economics was asked by Abbott Danmark A/S, who currently is the only producer of flash glucose monitors, to evaluate the economic impact of increased use of flash glucose monitors.

Main conclusions of our study

Using a flash glucose monitor significantly reduces the long-term blood glucose levels and the risk of late complications. This reduction implies potential savings for the Danish healthcare system.

The net economic impact increases over time.
However, as an initial investment is required, this reduces the incentive for Regions to procure the monitors.

The study is commissioned by Abbott Danmark A/S.

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