A study32 was conducted in 2014 to assess the cost-effectiveness of sensor-augmented insulin pump therapy with "Low Glucose Suspend" (LGS) functionality versus standard pump therapy with self-monitoring of blood glucose, in patients with Type 1 diabetes who have impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia.
Summary: After 6 months where a clinical trial-based economic evaluation was performed, the use of sensor-augmented insulin pump therapy with LGS significantly reduced the incidence of severe hypoglycaemia compared to the standard pump therapy. Based on a primary randomised study, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) per severe hypoglycaemic event avoided was $18,257 for all patients and $14,944 for those above 12 years. Over the 6-month period, the cost per quality-adjusted life-year gained was $40,803 for patients aged 12 years and older.
Therefore, sensor-augmented insulin pump therapy with LGS may be considered a cost-effective alternative to standard pump therapy with self-monitoring of blood glucose in hypoglycaemia unaware patients with Type 1 diabetes. View the study here.
32. Ly T et al. A Cost-effectiveness analysis of sensor-augmented insulin pump therapy and automated insulin suspension versus standard pump therapy for hypoglycemic unaware patients with type 1 diabetes. Value in Health 2014;17:561– 6 9
