Incidence, worry and discussion about dosing irregularities and self-treated hypoglycaemia amongst HCPs and patients with type 2 diabetes: results from the UK cohort of the Global Attitudes of Patient and Physicians (GAPP2) survey.

AIMS

The Global Attitude of Patients and Physicians 2 (GAPP2) survey sought to address gaps in understanding about real-world basal insulin-taking behaviour and self-treated hypoglycaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Global Attitude of Patients and Physicians 2 was an international, online, cross-sectional study of patients aged at least 40 years with type 2 diabetes taking analogue insulins, and healthcare professionals (HCPs). Patients were recruited from general consumer online research panels, comprising a representative sample of the population to minimise bias. HCPs were recruited from online specialist research panels. The results of the UK cohort are presented here.

RESULTS

The UK cohort constituted 12% of the total GAPP2 population. In this cohort, 15-25% of patients reported that they had reduced, missed or mistimed at least one dose of insulin in the previous month. On the last occasion that patients had reduced a dose, 82% had done so intentionally - most frequently because of concerns about hypoglycaemia. HCP estimates of the numbers of patients with dosing irregularities were nearly fourfold higher than patient reports. More than one-third of HCPs believe their patients under-report the frequency of self-treated hypoglycaemia. Nevertheless, a proportion did not regularly discuss these concerns with their patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Healthcare professionals are in the best position to support patients in making appropriate insulin dose adjustments to help regularise blood glucose levels and reduce treatment-induced hypoglycaemic events. This can be achieved by initiating frequent discussions with all patients and providing education and training when appropriate.