https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4291-544X
Abstract
Patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have increased risk of post-fracture complications, such as impaired healing and surgical complications compared to patients without diabetes. However, it is not known if this translates to higher healthcare costs.
We aimed to compare the direct healthcare costs within the first year of hip, humerus, forearm, foot, and ankle fractures between patients with T1D and matched controls.
Patients with hip, humerus, forearm, foot, and ankle fractures in the period 2011-2019 were identified from the Danish National Patient Register. Patients with T1D were matched 1:4 with patients without diabetes. Costs for hospitalizations, primary care physicians, physiotherapy, and medication within the first year after a fracture were calculated.
We identified 973 hip, 622 humerus, 1144 forearm, 945 foot, and 472 ankle fractures in patients with T1D. The direct healthcare cost within one year after fracture was significantly higher among patients with T1D compared to patients without diabetes for humerus (€726 vs. €562), forearm (€441 vs. €269), foot (€225 vs. €123), and ankle fractures (€551 vs. €367). By contrast, the direct healthcare cost of hip fractures was similar in patients with T1D and controls (€9,463 vs. €9,429).
While hip fractures were the most costly site, there were no differences in the 1-year post-fracture direct healthcare costs. However, the costs were significantly higher at all other fracture sites among patients with T1D. Increased uptake of fracture prevention strategies among T1D may help reduce fracture risk and subsequently costs.
Accepted manuscripts
