Costs associated with emergency care and hospitalization for severe hypoglycemia

Abstract Background and aims We aimed to determine the direct economic cost of the management of severe hypoglycemia among people with diabetes in Italy. Methods and results Data of cases with an acceptance diagnosis of hypoglycemia between January 2011 and June 2012 were collected in 46 Emergency Departments (EDs). Emergency care costs were computed by estimating the average cost per ambulance service, ED visit and short-term ( Conclusion Severe hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes constitutes a remarkable economic burden for national healthcare systems. Measures for preventing hypoglycemia are mandatory in diabetes management programs considering the impact on patients and on health spending.