Objectives: To compare the economic impact of using a durable versus disposable insulin pump over a 4-year period (i.e., the typical warranty period) in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Methods: This population-based, longitudinal analysis used a large repository of healthcare claims data were used to compare healthcare costs (in 2017 U.S. dollars) and utilization in individuals with T1D using durable pumps (N=2,013) to those using disposable pumps (N=642), before and after pump adoption. T-test was used to examine the between-group difference in pump-related costs, and a generalized linear model regression was used to estimate the difference-in-difference effect of pump type on other outcomes.

Results: Mean pump-related costs over the 4-year period were $6,606 less for durable pump users versus disposable pump users (Figure; p<0.0001). Mean out-of-pocket pump-related costs for the same time period were$1,037 less for durable pump versus disposable pump users (p<0.0001). There were no statistically significant differences between durable and disposable pump users for any other variables studied (continuous glucose monitoring costs, insulin costs, inpatient costs, emergency room costs, outpatient costs, hospital admissions, or emergency room visits).

Conclusions: Use of a durable versus disposable insulin pump is associated with significantly lower pump-related costs.

Disclosure

M. Shah: Employee; Self; Medtronic. C. Zhu: Employee; Self; Medtronic.

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