Abstract

Objectives

This study aimed to determine long-term cost-effectiveness of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology versus self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using multiple daily injections in Iran.

Methods

According to available data, the long-term costs and clinical outcomes of CGM and SMBG were estimated using the Sheffield Type 1 Diabetes Model, with a lifetime horizon from a payer’s perspective. The primary outcome was the cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained.

Results

The lifetime cost-effectiveness analysis demonstrated that on average, the use of CGM increased life expectancy by 1.32 years and QALYs by 1.63, compared with SMBG. The CGM group had an average discounted total cost of $40 093 US dollars, whereas the SMBG group had an average discounted total cost of $13 366. This resulted in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $16 386 per QALY gained, which is less than the threshold of 3 times the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of Iran ($24 561).

Conclusions

Considering 3 times the GDP per capita as the threshold, CGM is likely to be cost-effective in Iran. However, for CGM to be very cost-effective (ie, have an ICER less than 1 times the GDP per capita) and presumably more accessible, the price of CGM should decrease to $40 per sensor, each with a lifespan of 14 days.