Treatment burden and perceptions of glucose-lowering therapy among people living with diabetes

Abstract

AimsAddress treatment burden and general perceptions of pharmacological treatment in patients with diabetes. MethodsWe surveyed adult patients with diabetes cared for in a tertiary academic medical center about: i) knowledge about the impact of glucose-lowering medication use on diabetes control and complications, ii) common beliefs about natural medicine and insulin use, iii) attitudes towards glucose-lowering medications, iv) burden of treatment, v) general knowledge of diabetes pharmacological treatment, and vi) perceptions of shared decision-making. ResultsTwo hundred-four participants completed the survey. While most (90%) agreed that adherence to medication would control diabetes and improve quality of life, 30–40% were not certain that it would translate to fewer disease complications. About one of three thought medications could be harmful (29.4%). Over 50% agreed or was unsure that natural remedies were as good/better than prescribed medications. About 30% acknowledged difficulties taking their diabetes medications and monitoring blood glucose, and over 50% were concerned about treatment costs. Nearly 30% denied receiving a detailed explanation from their clinician regarding their disease and is treatment. ConclusionsOur results highlight the importance of patient education regarding pharmacological treatment for diabetes, and eliciting sources of distress and treatment burden among patients with diabetes.