Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company 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. 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.“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 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.
Date: December 2, 2013
Source: Boehringer Ingelheim
