Aim: To identify and understand the main unmet needs of individuals with Type 2 diabetes (T2D). Materials & methods: An online survey was conducted in Brazil, China and Russia of individuals with recently diagnosed T2D. Results: The survey, involving 300 individuals with T2D, identified a need for more information regarding food/diet and for increased awareness of T2D symptoms. While most participants (94%) had experienced symptoms prior to their diagnosis, only 55% of symptomatic individuals sought medical attention. Conclusion: Novel strategies to increase awareness of diabetes should be developed and tested, and may enable earlier diagnosis and improve patients' quality of life.
Keywords: healthcare information need; online patient survey; quality of life; type 2 diabetes; unmet needs.
Lay abstract Type 2 diabetes (T2D) negatively impacts an individual’s health-related quality of life and represents a significant burden of disease worldwide. Although previous studies have examined the unmet needs of patients with diabetes, no recent studies have evaluated the needs of individuals with T2D in Brazil, China or Russia. This study used an online questionnaire to identify and understand the main unmet needs of individuals who had been recently diagnosed with T2D from these countries. Several potential needs were identified, including the need for more information and support about food and diet, a new noninvasive solution for blood glucose monitoring and increased awareness of T2D symptoms. Our study also identified possible innovative solution to address these needs.