Over 60% of insulin users in control of diabetes: Survey

More than 60% percent of insulin users say that they are more in control over diabetes after taking insulin, according to a survey released on Monday.

The survey, done by market research firm IMRB in 6 cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkota, Bangalore and Hyderabad) covering 599 adults who suffered from Type 2 diabetes and were regular Insulin users was facilitated by the world leader in diabetes care – Novo Nordisk.

The survey also showed that almost 57% of the patients said that they felt more energetic after taking insulin and almost 85% of Insulin users say that insulin reduces diabetes complications.

Significantly almost most patients were put on insulin due to Uncontrollable blood sugar levels (81%) and deterioration in overall health (46%).

In terms of administering insulin More than half (53%) of the respondents administer insulin on their own. However, although insulin pen delivery users reported almost 94% convenience , Insulin pen was used only among a fifth of respondents.

Interestingly close to half of the respondents (44%) have a family history of diabetes . In addition other than diabetes, two-thirds (63%) of the respondents are suffering from complication related to blood pressure and close to half of the younger population (47%) is undergoing treatment related to BP complications.

This brings to light the lack of awareness about early and appropriate treatment of diabetes in India. Some of the results of late or inadequate treatment of diabetes include complications, such as heart disease, hypertension, kidney failure, diabetic retinopathy and even death.

The results of the survey released on the occasion of world diabetes day brings to the light the importance of appropriate and timely treatment for Indians despite India having the worlds largest population of people with diabetes ? 50.8 million as per the latest IDF statistics.

More than half of the respondents (56%) indicated to be leading a sedentary lifestyle with limited physical activity. But they perceive their day to day routine to be moderately stressful (51%).

The overall perception of stress in the current lifestyle is similar across the age groups. 14% of respondents find their life to be very stressful.

A fifth (21%) of respondents do not have any routine of physical exercise. Such a practice is more predominant among older age groups (31%) in comparison to the younger lot of below 45 years (14%).

Other than diabetes, two-thirds (63%) of the respondents are suffering from complication related to blood pressure.

Close to half of the younger population (47%) is undergoing treatment related to BP complications. As expected, this proportion is significantly higher among older population.

Close to half of the respondents (44%) have a family history of diabetes.

Uncontrollable blood sugar levels (81%) and deterioration in overall health (46%) were the predominant factors that prompted doctors to recommend insulin treatment for the respondents.

Early adapters ? Only a third (31%) of respondents immediately followed their doctor?s advice for a switch over to Insulin.

About half (48%) of them were apprehensive about the fact that it would become a lifelong therapy.
A half of respondents have expressed alleviation of these concerns post Insulin usage. This is an indication most of the concerns are assumptive.

More than half (53%) of the respondents administer insulin on their own (Self-administration).

A vast majority (80%) of insulin administration happens using syringes. Insulin pen had penetration only among a fifth of respondents.

A clear majority of respondents find the process of insulin administration to be convenient (78%). The convenience level was substantially higher among Insulin pen users (94%) in comparison to syringe users (74%).

The Early adapters found insulin administration procedure to be more convenient.

Respondents were asked to compare different aspects of their current day to day life (with Insulin) to the earlier period when they were exclusively on Oral medications for diabetic control.

A clear majority of the respondents have indicated that insulin has made a considerable difference in their pursuit of diabetes control. They have highlighted improvement in all the aspects of disease control and well being.

Higher proportion of respondents from younger age group feel a improvement in Freshness (55%) and increased confidence levels (60%).

Higher proportion of respondents from the older age group (above 46 years) feel better control over blood sugar (61%) and co-morbid conditions (53%) with Insulin.

For most respondents (60%), Insulin treatment has resulted in considerable improvement in overall health condition. The proportion is similar among respondents across age groups.

Close to three-fourths agreed that concerns and taboos related to Insulin can be overcome easily.

India has more than 50 million people with diabetes, and the number expected to reach 80 million by 2025, diabetes is a very real threat to the country?s economic and developmental goals.

What is even more a matter of concern is the fact that despite an adult prevalence rate of 6.2%, only 6-7 million people are treated.

Some of the results of late or inadequate treatment of diabetes include complications, such as heart disease, hypertension, kidney failure, diabetic retinopathy and even death.