Global survey finds one in four type 2 diabetes patients do not take basal insulin as prescribed

One in four people with type 2 diabetes missed or did not dose their long-acting (basal) insulin correctly in the previous 30 days, according to a new global survey funded by Novo Nordisk. The GAPP2™ (Global Attitudes of Patients and Physicians) survey also found that more than a third experienced a self-treated low blood sugar event, called hypoglycaemia.[i] The data were presented at the late-breaking poster session of the 72nd Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in Philadelphia.

Key findings from the GAPP2TM survey (Abstract number: #2012-LB-5579-Diabetes) include:

• Dosing irregularities are not uncommon in people with type 2 diabetes taking basal insulin. In the previous 30 days, 22% missed a dose, 24% mistimed a dose by more than two hours and 14% reduced a basal insulin dose.i
• Self-treated hypoglycaemia remains a significant management challenge in type 2 diabetes and 36% of those surveyed experienced an event in the previous 30 days.i
• There is a correlation between hypoglycaemia and dosing irregularities. Those who missed a basal insulin dose in the previous 30 days were significantly more likely to report self-treated hypoglycaemia over the same period as well (41% compared to 34%).i

“A considerable proportion of people with type 2 diabetes are missing or mis-timing their long-acting insulin,” said lead researcher and health psychologist Dr Meryl Brod of The Brod Group. “The challenges of addressing dosing irregularities and self-treated hypoglycaemia are critical for improving patient care as they greatly impact the achievement of optimal glycaemic control.”

Maintaining optimal glycaemic control is important because it helps reduce long-term complications for people with diabetes.[ii] Symptoms of a hypoglycaemic event (when blood sugar becomes too low) often include pounding heart, trembling, hunger, sweating, difficulty concentrating or confusion.[iii]

About the GAPP2™ Survey

The GAPP2TM (Global Attitude of Patients and Physicians) survey is a large online research study, conducted in six countries (USA, Canada, Japan, Germany, UK, Denmark) between January and March 2012. The survey enrolled 3,042 people with type 2 diabetes using insulin analogue and 1,653 healthcare professionals.i The full data set will be revealed later in 2012. The study was funded by Novo Nordisk.

About diabetes

In 2011, an estimated 366 million people in the world had diabetes,[iv] a condition in which the body does not produce enough or properly use insulin, the hormone needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for life.

References

i. Brod M, Barnett AH, Rana A, Peyrot M. GAPP2TM: Global survey finds in the last month one in four type 2 diabetes patients do not take basal insulin as prescribed and over a third suffer hypoglycaemia. Presented at American Diabetes Association (ADA) June 2012.

ii. Donnelly LA, Morris AD, Frier BM, et al. Frequency and predictors of hypoglycaemia in Type 1 and insulin treated Type 2 diabetes: a population-based study. Diabet Med 2005; 22:749-755.

iii. Brod M, Christensen T, Thomsen TL, Bushnell DM. The Impact of Non-Severe Hypoglycemic Events on Work Productivity and Diabetes Management. Value In Health 2011 [published online 06 June 2011]: http://www.valueinhealthjournal.com/article/S1098-3015(11)00133-1/abstract.

iv. Diabetes Atlas, International Diabetes Federation, fifth edition: 2011: www.idf.org/diabetesatlas.