Global survey finds one in four type 2 diabetes patients do not take basal insulin as prescribed and more than a third suffer from hypoglycemia

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Jun 12, 2012, 10:00 ET

PHILADELPHIA, June 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 was presented at the late-breaking poster session of the 72nd Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in Philadelphia today.

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Key findings from the GAPP2™ 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% mis-timed 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 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 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 diabetic patients. Symptoms of a hypoglycemic event (when the blood sugar becomes too low) often include pounding heart, trembling, hunger, sweating, difficulty concentrating or confusion.

About the GAPP2™ Survey

The GAPP2™ (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 analog and 1,653 healthcare professionals. The full data set will be revealed later in 2012. The study was funded by Novo Nordisk.

About Novo Nordisk
Headquartered in Denmark, Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company with 89 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.

About Diabetes

In the United States, 25.8 million people have diabetes, 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 daily life.

SOURCE Novo Nordisk