The Question

What are the costs of illness for diabetic patients with varying levels of disability in Thailand?

What we found

The researchers found that when comparing medical care costs between disabled and non-disabled diabetic patients, those patients with disabilities incurred a significantly higher cost during their hospital treatment.

Why it matters

Disability and complications due to diabetes has a significant impact on Thai society.  The current allowance provided by the government to Thai citizens with disabilities is not sufficient and would need to  be revised to cover the current gap between what the government provides and the costs incurred by diabetic patients with disabilities.