Cost Analysis of Diabetes Mellitus Treatment in the Public Sector in Dubai, The United Arab Emirates: Analysis Based on a Global Perspective Model

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to estimate the diabetes-related costs in outpatient and inpatient settings in the public sector and the factors that might affect treatment cost in Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted using complete paid claims for a total of 615 384 registered patients in both the outpatient and inpatient departments over a 48-month period. Data were quantified and analyzed using conventional and inference statistics. RESULTS: This study revealed the average accumulating treatment cost per patient with diabetes in Dubai (US dollars $9673). Expectedly, this cost was higher among inpatients ($18 406) compared with outpatient visits ($9341). Using linear regression to predict the costs of diabetes mellitus treatment among the present sample revealed that older patients, female gender, Emirati nationals, patients with obesity and those having comorbid conditions are significant drivers for cost estimation, and they have an increasing impact on the cost of diabetes per outpatients and inpatient encounters. Emirati patients incur $637.8 (Cl 473.7-801.9) more cost for outpatient services and $3028.5 (CI 2192.2-3865.0) more cost for hospital admissions than their counterparts. There is an increasing impact of the longer length of stay on the cost of admission for patients with diabetes ($304.9; CI 230.0-379.9). CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight the high average accumulating treatment cost for diabetes in the public sector in Dubai. Policy makers need to formulate a comprehensive healthcare services framework and to reform the coverage plans to prioritize initiatives for diabetes promotion and prevention.