Global study finds one in five feel discriminated against because of their diabetes

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Jun 24, 2013, 02:00 ET

CHICAGO, June 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Key results from the global Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs 2 study (DAWN2™) show that one in five people with diabetes feel discriminated against because of their condition, and support from the broader community is scarce.^1,2 Results from the DAWN2™ study were presented today at the 73^rd Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA).^1-11

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DAWN2™ represents opinions from more than 15,000 people living, or caring for people, with diabetes in 17 countries across four continents.

Family members and health care professionals surveyed as part of DAWN2™ report similar beliefs.^3,5 According to the study, one in five family members also believes that their loved ones with diabetes face discrimination.³ Among the diabetes health care professionals participating in the survey, one out of three were concerned about discrimination and said there was a "major need" for improvement in the acceptance of people with diabetes as equal members in society.^4,5 Furthermore, the DAWN2™ study revealed that the experience of being discriminated against due to diabetes is associated with emotional distress.⁶

"Evidence suggests that even with the best modern therapies and care, the experience of discrimination can influence self-management, quality of life as well as clinical outcomes for people with chronic illnesses. The DAWN2™ study results highlight surprisingly high rates of perceived experienced discrimination and allow for an in-depth understanding now of the nature of this discrimination and the consequences it has for health and quality of life," explains Professor Mark Peyrot, Principal Investigator and Chair of the International Publication Planning Committee (IPPC) overseeing DAWN2™.

The DAWN2™ study also found major variations between countries in perceived discrimination, ranging from 11–28% for people with diabetes¹ and 10–40% for family members,³ suggesting that there are viable pathways for improvement and that countries can look to others for models to follow.

"Through DAWN2™, people with diabetes and their families have been given a voice. In this day and age, no one should face discrimination because of diabetes and people with diabetes have the right to live full, active lives and have an equal role in society. We will use the results of DAWN2™ to educate decision-makers to make changes that are desperately needed to improve the quality of life for people with diabetes," said Sir Michael Hirst, President of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).

Additional DAWN2™ study results released during ADA highlighted significant inadequacies across countries in relation to empowerment and education of people with diabetes, psychosocial support and quality diabetes care.²

Key results presented were (data were adjusted according to age and gender to reflect the general diabetes population in each country):

People with diabetes had significant emotional distress related to their diabetes(mean 44.6%, ranging from 22% in the United States and 21% in the Netherlands to 65% in Algeria)¹
13.8% of people with diabetes had severely impaired emotional well-being and were at risk of depression (ranging from 8% in Mexico to 16.6% in the United States and 20% in Algeria)¹
Over one-third (35.3%) of family members reported a significant burden on the family related to diabetes (ranging from 12–60%)^3,6
48.8% of people with diabetes had attended diabetes education (ranging from 23% in India to 74% in the United States and 83% in Canada)¹
23.1% of family members had attended diabetes education⁸ (ranging from 12% in The Russian Federation to 31% in the United States and 40% in Denmark)³

Three scientific articles were released on June 23, 2013, focusing on country variations in psychosocial indicators of diabetes care as assessed by people with diabetes, family members and health care professionals.

About DAWN2™

DAWN2™ is a global Novo Nordisk initiative conducted in collaboration with the IDF, the International Alliance of Patient Organisations (IAPO), the Steno Diabetes Center and a range of other national, regional and global partners. The DAWN2™ results will be used internationally and nationally to facilitate dialogue among patient organisations, health care professionals and other key stakeholders to develop action plans for improvement of the lives of people with diabetes. Further information available at www.dawnstudy.com.

About Novo Nordisk
Headquartered in Denmark, Novo Nordisk is a global health care company with 90 years of innovation and leadership in diabetes care. The company also has leading positions within hemophilia care, growth hormone therapy and hormone replacement therapy. For more information, visit novonordisk-us.com or follow our news in the US on Twitter: @NovoNordiskUS.

¹ Antonio Nicolucci et al. Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs: second study (DAWN2). Cross-national benchmarking of diabetes-related psychosocial outcomes. Diabet Med 2013: In press.

²Antonio Nicolucci et al. on behalf of the DAWN2 Study Group. Cross-country benchmarking of diabetes psychosocial outcomes for people with diabetes in the DAWN2 study. ADA 2013 (A-4361).

³ Katharina Kovacs Burns et al. The Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs second study (DAWN2) cross-national benchmarking indicators for family members living with people with diabetes. Diabet Med 2013: In press.

⁴ Richard Holt et al. on behalf of the DAWN2 Study Group. Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs: second study (DAWN2). Cross-national comparisons on barriers and resources for optimal care – health care professional perspective. Diabet Med 2013: In press.

⁵ Katharina Kovacs Burns et al. on behalf of the DAWN2 Study Group. Cross-country psychosocial benchmarking indicators identified for family members living with persons with diabetes in the DAWN2 study. ADA 2013 (A-4431).

⁶ Richard IG Holt et al. on behalf of the DAWN2 Study Group. Cross-country comparisons on barriers and resources for optimal care: The health care provider perspective in the DAWN2 study. ADA 2013 (A-4530).

⁷ Mark Peyrot et al. on behalf of the DAWN2 Study Group. Correlates of psychosocial outcomes among people with diabetes in the DAWN2 study. ADA 2013 (A-4570).

⁸ Ingrid Willaing et al. on behalf of the DAWN2 Study Group. Exploring diabetes education and information: perspectives of family members of people with diabetes (DAWN2 Study). ADA 2013 (A-2911).

⁹ Johan Wens et al. on behalf of the DAWN2 Study Group. Correlates of psychosocial outcomes among family members of people with diabetes in the DAWN2 study. ADA 2013 (A-4794).

¹⁰ Sanjay Kalra et al. on behalf of the DAWN2 Study Group. Psychosocial support for people with diabetes by health care providers in the DAWN2 study. ADA 2013 (A-4747).

¹¹ Heather Stuckey et al. on behalf of the DAWN2 Study Group. Qualitative insights into psychosocial needs and strategies of people with diabetes and family members in DAWN2 study. ADA 2013 (A-4653).

SOURCE Novo Nordisk