Wilson Health Information released results from its 2002 WilsonRx Diabetes Treatment Report showing that more than 25% of diabetes patients are not successful in controlling their condition, resulting in missed work, hospitalizations, and emergency room visits.

Wilson Health Information surveyed a sample of 18,000 pharmacy customers in the U.S. Among those surveyed, diabetes ranked seventh among conditions reported, with 22% of respondents reporting that they or someone in their household sought treatment for the condition.

Non-insulin dependent type II diabetes represented the largest segment with 15%, followed by insulin-dependent type II diabetes (5%) and type I insulin-dependent diabetes (3%). Diabetes patients frequently suffer from multiple chronic conditions such as high blood pressure (70%), high cholesterol (50%), arthritis (48%), allergies (38%), and other conditions.

A follow-up survey of 1,000 respondents found that the disease had an impact on their life, including: hypoglycemia requiring assistance (17%), emergency room visit (8%), hospitalizations (5%), and missed work (5%) averaging six days. Nearly one in four patients indicated they were not successful in controlling their diabetes and only one in five controlled it "very well."

Fifty-seven percent of diabetes patients took oral medications and they were more satisfied with newer agents and those that offered once-daily dosing convenience.

Patients who believed they are not receiving the best treatment available cited high treatment costs (aggravated by lack of insurance and prescription drug coverage), restrictions on access to specialists, medications, and the lack of education. Patients with access to the best treatment were satisfied with their physician's treatment and pharmacist's counseling.

"Findings indicate the opportunity for pharmacists to help the growing number of diabetes patients to manage their disease and medications," said Jim Wilson. "Pharmacists can provide training, counseling, and reminders to receive important tests and exams."

The WilsonRx Diabetes Treatment Report also contains detailed information on patients' perceptions of their medication, glucose testing device, and insulin brand, in addition to levels of satisfaction with their pharmacy, pharmacy benefit, and health insurance. This article was prepared by Diabetes Week editors from staff and other reports.

Source: Diabetes News.

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