Investigating how cost-reducing policies affect diabetes complications
Official title: Natural Experiments of the Impact of Population-targeted Policies to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes and Diabetes Complications - 2020
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10854715 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how three different ways to lower costs for diabetes patients—like making medications free, capping insulin prices, and switching to cheaper health plans—can help improve health and reduce complications over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | October 4, 2021 |
| Project end | September 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $457,508 |
| NIH project number | 5U18DP006696-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10854715 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with diabetes who are affected by high out-of-pocket costs for medications and treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have diabetes or those who are not impacted by cost-related barriers to medication may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines the impact of three specific policies aimed at reducing out-of-pocket costs for diabetes patients. These include making diabetes medications free through employer preventive drug lists, capping insulin costs via state legislation, and transitioning from high-deductible health plans to more affordable low-deductible plans. By analyzing a large national health insurance claims database, the study aims to assess trends in diabetes complications and the uptake of these cost-reducing measures over a 15-year period. The goal is to provide evidence on how these interventions can improve health outcomes for diabetes patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to significant improvements in the management of diabetes and reduction in complications for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that reducing financial barriers can lead to improved health outcomes for patients with chronic conditions, suggesting a positive outlook for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wharam, James Franklin — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Wharam, James Franklin
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.