The Association of Insulin Medication Possession Ratio, Use of Insulin Glargine, and Health Benefit Costs in Employees and Spouses With Type 2 Diabetes

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Abstract
Objective: Measure the impact of insulin utilization on health costs and absenteeism. Compare outcomes between users of insulin glargine and other insulin. Methods: Using a large retrospective database, this regression analysis examined annual health costs and absenteeism among employees and spouses with type 2 diabetes who used insulin. The analysis studied impacts of medication possession ratio (MPR) and glargine use, controlling for demographic factors, salary, and prior health care. Results: Higher MPR was associated with significantly lower health costs for patients with high prior costs. Glargine users' MPR was higher than other insulin users' MPR (66% vs 54%, P < 0.0001). Among all insulin users, those using glargine had significantly lower total ($6771 vs $7969, P = 0.0046) and circulatory-specific ($312 vs $636, P < 0.0001) costs. Conclusions: Insulin MPR and the use of insulin glargine were associated with lower health care costs.