The study was conducted online amongst 2,000 patients with type 2diabetes living in the US, UK and Germany and investigated patients'attitudes, feelings, health status, drug treatment programmes and needs forcoping with life with diabetes. The findings reveal that living with diabetescan affect many areas of people's lives. Whilst most people do feel incontrol of their condition, many do not feel that they are managing theirdiabetes well, with almost half of US patients (43%) reporting that they aresometimes or often unsuccessful in managing their condition.
In all countries investigated, as many as one in every two people feelthat diabetes has an impact on their general mood. However, men and womenwere found to respond very differently to their condition. Men aresignificantly more likely to feel calm and confident, whilst women are morelikely to feel challenged, frustrated or tired.
Many people with type 2 diabetes are in denial about how their lifestyleaffects their health. Over half of patients are also receiving treatment forhigh blood pressure and high cholesterol and the majority are overweight.Over half claim to spend a lot of time thinking about their health, say theyeat well and make sure they stay healthy, but many are clearly not managingto stick to a good diet and exercise regime. The vast majority in the UK andUS are clinically obese, and around a third of patients from all countriesnever engage in any physical exercise. The survey found a clear correlationbetween those with a high BMI index and lack of exercise. Interestingly,whilst doctors in all countries mostly advise a better diet and moreexercise, in the US a third of doctors are also likely to recommend vitaminsand nutritional supplements.
On the whole, patients enjoy a good relationship with their doctor andthe vast majority feel that their doctor takes their condition seriously. Buta fifth sometimes feel as though their doctor is annoyed with them for notmanaging their diabetes, and this is particularly the case in the US. Justover one in ten feel that their doctor makes unrealistic suggestions abouttheir lifestyle. An analysis of the survey revealed five segments of patientswith similar attitudes and behaviours. Two of these groups (predominantlycomprising younger people) had particularly negative feelings about livingwith diabetes and these groups also feel they have a poor relationship withtheir doctor. They are more likely to feel the doctor offers unrealisticadvice and "nags" them to change their diet and exercise regime.
The majority of people surveyed would like to see better new treatmentsin the future, particularly ones that are easier to use, don't involve theuse of insulin and help patients control their weight.
More detailed findings from the study can be provided on request.
About The Research Partnership
The Research Partnership has conducted high quality global marketresearch for the pharmaceutical industry for over 12 years. The company hasheadquarters in London and offices in Berlin, Philadelphia, Toronto andSingapore.Website link:http://www.researchpartnership.com/products-and-services/livingwithdiabetes
SOURCE The Research Partnership Ltd
