Abstract
Background and rationale: The economic evaluation of screening for type 2 diabetes mellitus
(T2DM) in the general population is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-utility of T2DM screening strategies using the DM risk score (DMRS) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG)/fasting capillary blood
glucose (FCBG) compared to no screening in Thailand.
Methodology: Decision tree and Markov models were constructed to compare costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained of T2DM screening using DMRS & FPG/FCBG versus no screening.
Cost-utility data were from secondary and primary medical records of Thai population aged 35-59 years
in three tertiary and two university hospitals. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated
from both societal and provider perspectives.
Results: From both societal and provider perspectives, T2DM screening using DMRS and FPG/FCBG
compared to no screening had an ICER of 157,570 baht per quality-adjusted life year gained, with the
ICER being less than 160,000 baht per quality-adjusted life year gained.
Conclusion: The T2DM screening strategies using DMRS and FPG/FCBG were considered cost-effective in Thailand, as the ICER per QALY gained was lower than the willingness-to-pay threshold.
