[The cost of type 2 diabetes: summary of the Cost of Diabetes in Europe-Type II study (CODE-2) and analysis of the situation in Belgium].

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a common chronic disease whose economic impact on both patients and society is constantly increasing. "The Cost of Diabetes in Europe--Type 2 study" is the first coordinated attempt to measure total healthcare costs of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Europe. On average, 3% of the population with type 2 diabetes accounted for 5% of the total healthcare expenditure. Complications have a substantial impact on the costs of managing type 2 diabetes. The prevention of complications, especially cardiovascular disease, will potentially reduce overall healthcare expenditure.