Intervention-only programmes were in general more cost effective than programmes that also included a screening component .
The longer the period evaluated , the more cost-effective interventions appeared .
There was insufficient evidence to answer the question of ( 1 ) whether lifestyle programmes are more cost effective than metformin or ( 2 ) whether low-intensity lifestyle interventions are more cost effective than the more intensive lifestyle programmes that were tested in trials .
OBJECTIVE Explore the cost-effectiveness of lifestyle interventions and metformin in reducing subsequent incidence of type 2 diabetes  , both alone and in combination with a screening programme to identify high-risk individuals .
Cost-effectiveness of a lifestyle intervention in preventing Type 2 diabetes.
OBJECTIVES Previous research has suggested people with impaired fasting glucose ( IFG ) are less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes ( T2DM ) if they receive prolonged structured diet and exercise advice . This study examined the within-trial cost-effectiveness of such lifestyle interventions . METHODS Screen-detected participants with either newly diagnosed T2DM or IFG were r and omized 2:1 to intervention versus control ( usual care ) between February and December 2009 , in Norfolk ( UK ) . The intervention consisted of group based education , physiotherapy and peer support sessions , plus telephone contacts from T2DM volunteers . We monitored healthcare re source use , intervention costs , and quality of life ( EQ-5D ) . The incremental cost per quality -adjusted life-year ( QALY ) gain ( incremental cost effectiveness ratio [ ICER ] ) , and cost effectiveness acceptability curves ( CEAC ) were estimated . RESULTS In total , 177 participants were recruited ( 118 intervention , 59 controls ) , with a mean follow-up of 7 months . Excluding screening and recruitment costs , the mean cost was estimated to be £ 551 per participant in the intervention arm , compared with £ 325 in the control arm . The QALY gains were -0.001 and -0.004 , respectively . The intervention was estimated to have an ICER of £ 67,184 per QALY ( 16 percent probability of being cost-effective at the £ 20,000/QALY threshold ) . Cost-effectiveness estimates were more favorable for IFG participants and those with longer follow-up ( ≥ 4 months ) ( ICERs of £ 20,620 and £ 17,075 per QALY , respectively ) . CONCLUSIONS Group sessions to prevent T2DM were not estimated to be within current limits of cost-effectiveness . However , there was a large degree of uncertainty surrounding these estimates , suggesting the need for further research
Intervention-only programmes were in general more cost effective than programmes that also included a screening component .
The longer the period evaluated , the more cost-effective interventions appeared .
There was insufficient evidence to answer the question of ( 1 ) whether lifestyle programmes are more cost effective than metformin or ( 2 ) whether low-intensity lifestyle interventions are more cost effective than the more intensive lifestyle programmes that were tested in trials .
OBJECTIVE Explore the cost-effectiveness of lifestyle interventions and metformin in reducing subsequent incidence of type 2 diabetes  , both alone and in combination with a screening programme to identify high-risk individuals .