Trends in Diabetes Mellitus during Pregnancy: Prevalence and Health Care Utilization

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and trends in health care utilization and costs in Korean pregnant women with diabetes. Methods: This is a retrospective study. Data were collected using the insurance coverage data-base of Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2009. Women who were diagnosed with DM during pregnancy were included in this study. The data regarding the total number of women with DM during pregnancy, utilization of healthcare services, and total cost of treatment were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: In 2005, 11,568 were pregnant women with diabetes (pregestational or gestational). The number constantly increased from 12,203 in 2006 to 28,592 in 2009. In particular, the prevalence among pregnant women with DM aged 35 years or over was found to increase. Claims for health care services were increasing. The total cost of treatment for women with DM during pregnancy increased from 808,618,000 won in 2005 to 2,142,090,000 won in 2009. Conclusion: The prevalence of DM among pregnant women and the cost of treatment are constantly increasing. Pregnant women with DM are at an increased risk of pregnancy outcomes, which affect both the mother and child. Therefore, screening and monitoring for DM during the pregestational and gestational periods should be enforced to promptly treat women with DM and thus minimize the risks. Every effort should be made to increase awareness about the importance of screening on a personal level as well as on community and governmental levels.