IDF2022-0868 Changes in the prevalence and economic burden of diabetes in Singapore: results from repeated cross-sectional surveys

Data on changes in the prevalence and estimates of economic burden of diabetes over the past decade is limited in Singapore. The aims of the current study were, therefore, to (1) examine the changes in the prevalence of diabetes between 2010 and 2020, and (2) provide estimates of economic burden of diabetes in 2016 and projection for 2020 among Singapore residents. Data from three representative and repeated cross-sectional nationwide surveys (Singapore Mental Health Survey in 2010, Singapore Mental Health Survey in 2016 and Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice survey on Diabetes in 2020) of adults aged 18 to 97 years in Singapore were used. Data on self-reported diabetes among respondents across three time points (2010, 2016 and 2020) and healthcare utilization in 2016 were obtained from a modified checklist of chronic medical conditions and adapted version of the Client Service Receipt Inventory. The economic burden of diabetes in 2016 was calculated by multiplying the estimated excess cost per capita by its crude prevalence. Meanwhile, the projection of economic burden for 2020 was based on healthcare utilization data in 2016 and crude prevalence data in 2020. A total of 15,637 respondents were included in the analysis. The crude prevalence of diabetes in 2010, 2016 and 2020 was 9%, 9.7% and 10.5%, respectively. The average annual excess cost of diabetes per person was estimated to be S$ 1321 (95% CI, S $-568.5 to S$3,211.8) and SG$ 398.8 million to the society in 2016. If the healthcare utilization remained constant in 2020, we estimate that 328,668 of the adult population in Singapore will be affected by diabetes in 2020 and project economic burden of SG$434 million to the society. This study demonstrates a significant burden of diabetes to the society which is important for monitoring, allocating community and health resources and future planning to combat diabetes in Singapore.