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Furthermore, in 2018, the age-specific death rates due to DM increased markedly after
age 70 (Figure 4.8). This concentration of risk in the older age groups makes the case for
increasing population screening, treatment, and management at earlier
stages to prevent or further delay DM onset and downstream
complications.

Figure 4.8

Age-specific death rate due to diabetes mellitus, 2019

100

80
Age-speci c death rate (per 100,000 population of respective sex and age group) 60

40

20
0
0–4 years 5–9 years 10–14 years 15–19 years 20–24 years 25–29 years 30–34 years 35–39 years 40–44 years 45–49 years 50–54 years 55–59 years 60–64 years 65–69 years 70–74 years 75–79 years 80–84 years
85 years and above

Age group
Male
Female

Source: HealthyHK, 2021

In combination, the growing burden of DM and the increasing mortality of this disease
suggest that the disease burden of DM accounts for a significant increment in morbidity,
premature mortality, and ultimately, healthcare expenditure.

ii. Estimated economic burden of diabetes in Hong Kong

Estimating the economic burden of DM remains a critical component of understanding the
true toll of DM. However, this remains a challenging task due to the nature of DM, which
encompasses a wide range of co-morbidities and impacts on other health-related risk
factors. The present study references the Cadenza study (2009), which remains one of the
most comprehensive studies on the trends and economic burden of DM in Hong Kong. The
Cadenza study defines the cost for DM in two parts, with direct costs encompassing
medical costs such as hospitalisation, doctor consultations, and medication,
and the indirect costs including costs associated with disability, loss of economic
activity, and premature mortality.

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