Study Sheds Light on Emotional and Social Effects of Diabetes

(BPT) – More than 382 million people around the world suffer from diabetes-a staggering number that continues to climb. The impact of the disease, however, can’t be fully realized without considering the psychosocial effects on those living with diabetes and the family members, caregivers, and health care providers who support them.

As a leader in diabetes care, Novo Nordisk is committed to improving the lives of people living with the disease, and undertook the challenge of uncovering the psychosocial burden of diabetes through the DAWN2™ (Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes, and Needs) questionnaire. DAWN2™ is the largest ever global study to explore the unmet needs of people with diabetes, and represents the voices of more than 15,000 people living with or caring for persons with the disease in 17 countries across 4 continents.

The results are eye-opening. DAWN2™ found the emotional burden of diabetes is taxing for patients and family members, especially when they live together. Nearly half of both groups say the condition strains their emotional well-being, and large percentages report negative effects on finances, leisure activities, work, studies, and personal relationships. Even so, family members want to help. Thirty-nine percent would like to be more involved in caring for their relatives with diabetes, and 46 percent want to help them deal with their feelings about living with the condition. More than one-third, however, are frustrated because they simply don’t know what to do.

Additionally, 1 in 5 people with diabetes and an equal number of family members feel the sting of social bias, saying others don’t understand the disease. One in 3 physicians agrees discrimination is a problem and many believe there is a major need for more acceptance of people with diabetes.

Keeping the patient at the center of everything they do, Novo Nordisk is working with the health care community to raise awareness about the psychosocial effects of diabetes and improve access to adequate health care for people with diabetes wherever they may live.

For Novo Nordisk, DAWN2™ is a long-term commitment and an ongoing initiative with the aim of inspiring new, sustainable ways to enable the millions of people with diabetes around the world to live full lives and be actively involved in managing their own health.

DAWN2™ is a global Novo Nordisk initiative conducted in collaboration with the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the International Alliance of Patient Organizations (IAPO), the Steno Diabetes Center and other national, regional and global partners. DAWN2™ results will be used internationally to facilitate dialogue among patient organizations, health care professionals, and other key stakeholders to develop action plans to improve the lives of people with diabetes. More information is available at novonordisk-us.com.

DAWN2™ is a trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S.