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 hypoglycemia. 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 GAPP2 survey 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.

· Self-treated hypoglycemia remains a significant management challenge in type 2 diabetes and 36% of those surveyed experienced an event in the previous 30 days.

· There is a correlation between hypoglycemia and dosing irregularities.  Those who missed a basal insulin dose in the previous 30 days were significantly more likely to report self-treated hypoglycemia over the same period as well (41% compared to 34%).

“A considerable proportion of people with type 2 diabetes are missing or mistiming 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 hypoglycemia are critical for improving patient care as they greatly impact the achievement of optimal glycemic control.”

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

Date: June 12, 2012
Source: Novo Nordisk