A recent analysis highlights the superior cost-effectiveness of IDegLira, the first approved basal insulin GLP-1RA injection in China, compared to traditional combined regimens for treating type 2 diabetes. This study underscores significant health and economic benefits for Chinese patients over a 30-year period.
Enhanced Health Outcomes with IDegLira
Utilizing the Swedish Institute for Health Economics diabetes cohort model and data from the EXTRA study, researchers assessed the long-term impacts of IDegLira. The findings revealed a considerable reduction in chronic complications among patients using IDegLira. Notably, incidences of eye diseases, neuropathy, and kidney-related issues saw substantial declines, showcasing the drug’s effectiveness in managing diabetes-related complications.
Economic Advantages and Cost Savings
From an economic standpoint, IDegLira demonstrated a decrease in overall medical costs by 34,254 CNY compared to the combined regimen. Additionally, patients experienced an increase of 0.436 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). These results position IDegLira as a financially advantageous option under the threshold of one times China’s per capita GDP in 2022.
Inferences:
- IDegLira significantly lowers the risk of severe diabetic complications, enhancing patient quality of life.
- The drug’s cost savings make it a viable option for inclusion in national medical insurance plans.
- Long-term use of IDegLira may reduce the overall burden on the healthcare system by minimizing expensive treatments for complications.
The probabilistic sensitivity analysis reinforced the robustness of these findings, with IDegLira maintaining a 100% probability of being cost-effective across various scenarios. This consistency highlights the reliability of IDegLira as a preferred treatment option for type 2 diabetes management in China.
IDegLira not only offers better health outcomes but also alleviates financial pressure on both patients and the healthcare system. By reducing the incidence of debilitating complications, the medication ensures a better quality of life for patients while simultaneously decreasing the need for costly medical interventions. This dual advantage positions IDegLira as a strategic choice for healthcare providers aiming to optimize treatment efficacy and economic efficiency.
As China continues to address the growing prevalence of type 2 diabetes, incorporating cost-effective treatments like IDegLira could play a pivotal role in managing the disease more sustainably. Healthcare policymakers might consider these findings to inform decisions on insurance coverage and treatment guidelines, ultimately benefiting a larger population of diabetic patients across the country.

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