Using an economic model of diabetes to evaluate prevention and care strategies in australia.

The health benefits and costs of a national diabetes screening and prevention scenario are estimated among Australians ages 45-74. The Australian Diabetes Cost-Benefit Model is used to compare baseline and scenario outcomes from 2000 to 2010. Those newly diagnosed in 2000 receive intensive care, resulting in lower complication rates. People « at high risk » of developing diabetes are offered lifestyle intervention, reducing the numbers developing diabetes. A total of 115,000 people became « newly diagnosed. » Among those deemed at high risk, 53,000 avoided developing diabetes by 2010. Average yearly intervention and incremental treatment cost was AU$179 million, with a cost per disability-adjusted life-year of AU$50,000.