Diabetes drugs now make up 10.6% of total primary care net ingredient costs. Human analogue insulins had the highest cost, at £300 million in 2015/16, followed by the newer oral and injectable agents at £275 million. Biguanides such as metformin, which had by far the most prescriptions (20 million), cost £120 million, while other insulin types and sulfonylureas both cost under £50 million. Diagnostic and monitoring devices were also included in prescription costs, at around £185 million.
Commenting on the figures, Helen Donovan, the Royal College of Nursing’s health professional lead, said: “These stark figures show the need for a greater focus on preventing type 2 diabetes. Encouraging healthier lifestyles would not only save the NHS money, it would improve countless lives.”
The data can be accessed here.
