Pharmacoeconomic Evaluation and Effect of Insulin Glargine and Insulin Detemir in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Comparative Analysis

Background: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder with rising global prevalence, imposing significant health and economic burdens. Key treatments for T1DM include long-acting insulin analogs like insulin glargine and insulin detemir. However, comparative pharmacoeconomic analyses of these medications remain limited. Objectives: This research evaluated the cost-effectiveness, glycemic control, and safety profiles of insulin glargine and insulin detemir in individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Methods: A prospective observational study involving 353 adult patients with T1DM was carried out over 1.5 years at a tertiary care hospital in South India. Data were collected on demographics, glycemic control (HbA1c levels), incidence of hypoglycemia, and treatment costs.Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), were conducted using SPSS version 24. Results: Participants had a mean age of 46.1 ± 10.8 years, with 69.97% being male. HbA1c reduction was comparable between treatments (Glargine: -1.64%, Detemir: -1.57%). Severe hypoglycemia rates were similar, with 0.69 and 0.61 episodes per 100 person-years for Glargine and Detemir, respectively. Glargine and Detemir had about the same number of total hypoglycemia cases, with 90.94 episodes for every 100 people each year. However, Insulin glargine demonstrated a notable cost advantage, with an annual treatment cost of INR 18,197.58 compared to INR 26,314.07 for Detemir. ICER of INR 8,116.49 per annum.The reduced cost of Glargine was attributed to lower daily dose requirements and a lower per-unit cost. Conclusion: Both Insulin glargine and Insulin detemir are effective and safe for managing T1DM. However, Insulin glargine is more cost-effective, making it a preferable option, especially in resource-limited healthcare settings. These findings highlight the importance of integrating clinical outcomes and cost considerations in diabetes management strategies. To assess long-term effects and wider population applications, further study is required.