ECONOMIC IMPACT OF HOSPITALIZATIONS DUE TO DIABETES MELLITUS (DM) IN BRAZIL: ANALYSIS OF HEALTHCARE COSTS AND HEALTH SERVICE UTILIZATION INDICATORS

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the economic impact of hospitalizations due to Diabetes Mellitus (DM) in Brazil, considering hospital costs and indicators related to health service utilization.Methods: This is a descriptive, quantitative study based on secondary public data obtained from DATASUS via the TABNET platform, which compiles records from the Hospital Information System of SUS (SIH/SUS). Data from 2024 were collected, including hospital costs attributed to DM (ICD-10: E10–E14), number of approved Hospital Admission Authorizations (AIHs), and average length of hospital stay. Data were stratified by Brazilian regions (North, Northeast, Center-West, Southeast, and South).Results: In 2024, Brazil recorded 80,617 AIHs for DM, with a total cost of R$ 75,766,168.88 and an average length of stay of 6.0 days. The Southeast had the highest cost (R$ 31,229,877.24; 41.2%) and 29,355 hospitalizations (36.4%), with an average stay of 6.2 days. The Northeast showed the second highest cost (R$ 18,962,034.33; 25.0%) and 23,070 hospitalizations (28.6%), with an average stay of 6.3 days. The South recorded 13,311 hospitalizations (16.5%) and R$ 12,976,164.44 (17.1%), with the shortest stay (5.4 days). The Center-West had 5,905 hospitalizations (7.3%) and R$ 6,421,676.08 (8.5%), with 5.8 days on average, while the North had 8,976 hospitalizations (11.1%) and R$ 6,176,416.79 (8.1%), with 6.1 days.Conclusion: Hospitalization costs and frequency are concentrated in the Southeast and Northeast, while average length of stay remained relatively homogeneous, highlighting the need for regional strategies for DM prevention and management to reduce economic impact on SUS.