This study found that children newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes who presented with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) experienced significantly greater healthcare utilization than those without DKA, including more inpatient admissions and longer hospital stays. Even after adjusting for demographic and clinical factors, DKA at diagnosis remained associated with substantially higher healthcare resource use, highlighting the clinical and economic burden of delayed diagnosis. The findings suggest that earlier detection of type 1 diabetes could help reduce severe complications and healthcare costs.
Case Study Link: Identifying Diabetic Ketoacidosis Encounters at Diagnosis Among Children with Type 1 Diabetes in Claims Data
Case Study Contact: R. Brett McQueen