COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF INSULIN ANALOGUES VERSUS HUMAN INSULIN IN TYPE 2 DIABETES

Abstract

Insulin analogues cost considerably more than human insulin, and whether the extra spending buys value in type 2 diabetes is still debated. This review synthesises published clinical trials, meta-analyses, health economic evaluations and guidelines that compare analogue and human insulin regimens. It covers the clinical basis of the comparison, modelling methods and their assumptions, reported cost-effectiveness findings, the role of hypoglycaemia and adherence, and price and access issues across health systems. The review reports no new data or economic model. The literature shows similar glycaemic control but somewhat less hypoglycaemia with analogues, and cost-effectiveness depends heavily on assumptions, prices and the patient group considered.