Macroeconomic Consequences of Type 1 Diabetes: Productivity Loss and Healthcare Expenditure

Abstract

Individuals with T1D carry the economic burden of the illness itself as well as its treatment, along with the burden on healthcare systems and the economy. In this study, we consider the macroeconomic consequences of T1D in India at the productivity loss and healthcare expenditure. In order to quantify these direct and indirect costs of T1, we use data from global and national health surveys, economic studies and healthcare databases to analyse trends from 2000 to 2045. We found that T1D is becoming increasingly common, and that the number of affected people is predicted to exceed 124.9 million by 2045 and that these costs will be substantial for healthcare and productivity. The economic impact is estimated to increase directly to USD 8.5 billion in 2021 while incrementally to USD 12.8 billion by 2045 while the indirect cost that includes absenteeism, presenteeism and mortality before active age contribute to magnify. Complications like neuropathy, retinopathy, coronary artery disease also play a major role in the disease burden. The study stresses the constraints of macroeconomic consequences of T1D in India through improved access to insulin and early diagnosis and workplace accommodations. This increasing public health challenge requires policymakers to enforce cost effective strategies to tackle this challenge and to minimise the economic burden on the individuals and on the health care system.