Largest global survey investigating early type 2 diabetes conversations launched by Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company in partnership with the International Diabetes Federation

• More than 10,000 people with Type 2 Diabetes and more than 6,500 treating-physicians from 26 countries are to take part in new survey
• Survey to investigate how early conversations between people with Type 2 Diabetes and physicians can be optimised
• Insights from survey will be used to develop solutions to support primary care physicians and people with Type 2 Diabetes

Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company today announced the launch of the largest multinational survey to investigate early conversations between physicians and people living with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). The survey was developed in partnership with the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and will include more than 10,000 people with T2D and more than 6,500 treating-physicians across 26 countries worldwide. The findings will provide in-depth insights into early conversations at diagnosis and when an additional therapy may be required beyond the first medication. The survey will also investigate how these early conversations may be linked to an individual’s wellbeing and other self-reported outcomes.

Early and comprehensive management of T2D has been shown to lead to better outcomes and the reduction of diabetes-related complications.^1,2 Effective communication between a person living with T2D and their physician right from diagnosis may increase the individual’s satisfaction and adherence, improve quality of life, enhance self-care, and may even improve blood glucose control and outcomes.^3,4

“Being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes can be a challenging and emotional period, which understandably, many people find overwhelming. Ensuring individuals have the support they need at this time as well as an understanding of the progressive nature of their condition and the importance of self-management – right from the start – is crucial to success in the long run. The early conversations people with Type 2 Diabetes have with their physicians are essential” said Ms. Anne Belton, Vice President at the International Diabetes Federation. “This new survey will provide valuable insights into these important early conversations and will help aid the development of solutions for physicians and people with Type 2 Diabetes. Together these will help deliver valuable support early on in the treatment pathway.”

The global survey will provide a comprehensive snapshot of the current perceptions of both physicians and people living with T2D of these important early conversations and will highlight challenges or potential areas for improvement. Solutions based on the insights provided will be developed by the Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company Diabetes Alliance. These will aim to support primary care physicians and people living with T2D, so they remain informed, motivated and confident in their efforts to actively manage the condition. First results are expected to be announced during 2014.

About the Survey

The survey is concentrated on the needs and realities of primary care. It utilises a combination of both validated tools and new research approaches, to investigate the early conversations in T2D. It is expected to produce information on what patients take away from these conversations and how this is associated with patient wellbeing and other self-reported patient outcomes. Results from the survey will provide insights to aid the development of solutions that can support physicians in conducting early T2D conversations and optimise the limited time they have for patients, by focusing on the elements that have the potential to make a difference.

The survey is closely developed with an international advisory board of professional experts, including: Ms. Anne Belton, Canada, Dr. Steven Edelman, USA, Dr. William Polonsky, USA, Dr. Matthew S Capehorn, UK and Ms. Susan Down, UK.

References

1. Intensive blood-glucose control with sulphonylureas or insulin compared with conventional treatment and risk of complications in patients with type 2 diabetes (UKPDS 33). UK Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) Group. Lancet 1998;352:837-853.
2. Holman RR, Paul SK, Bethel MA, Matthews DR, Neil HA. 10-year follow-up of intensive glucose control in type 2 diabetes. N Engl J Med 2008;359:1577-1589.
3. Aikens J, Bingham R, Piette J. Patient-provider communication and self-care behaviour among type 2 diabetes patients. Diabetes Educ 2005;31:681-90.
4. Bundesmann R, Kaplowitz SA. Provider communication and patient participation in diabetes self-care. Patient Educ Couns 2011;85:143–147