Survey Reveals Diabetics Feel The Condition Impacts On Their Mood And Sex Life
Gumbo
Life
Main Category: Diabetes
Article Date: 28 Aug 2009 - 3:00 PDT
A new research study carried out by The Research Partnership reveals that
living with diabetes can have a major effect on people's lives, with just
under half (44%) of type 2 patients reporting that the condition has
impacted on either their ability or their desire to have sex.
The study was conducted online amongst 2,000 patients with type 2 diabetes
living in the US, UK and Germany and investigated patients' attitudes,
feelings, health status, drug treatment programmes and needs for coping with
life with diabetes. The findings reveal that living with diabetes can affect
many areas of people's lives. Whilst most people do feel in control of their
condition, many do not feel that they are managing their diabetes well, with
almost half of US patients (43%) reporting that they are sometimes or often
unsuccessful in managing their condition.
In all countries investigated, as many as one in every two people feel that
diabetes has an impact on their general mood. However, men and women were
found to respond very differently to their condition. Men are significantly
more likely to feel calm and confident, whilst women are more likely to feel
challenged, frustrated or tired.
Many people with type 2 diabetes are in denial about how their lifestyle
affects their health. Over half of patients are also receiving treatment for
high blood pressure and high cholesterol and the majority are overweight.
Over half claim to spend a lot of time thinking about their health, say they
eat well and make sure they stay healthy, but many are clearly not managing
to stick to a good diet and exercise regime. The vast majority in the UK and
US are clinically obese, and around a third of patients from all countries
never engage in any physical exercise. The survey found a clear correlation
between those with a high BMI index and lack of exercise. Interestingly,
whilst doctors in all countries mostly advise a better diet and more
exercise, in the US a third of doctors are also likely to recommend vitamins
and nutritional supplements.
On the whole, patients enjoy a good relationship with their doctor and the
vast majority feel that their doctor takes their condition seriously. But a
fifth sometimes feel as though their doctor is annoyed with them for not
managing their diabetes, and this is particularly the case in the US. Just
over one in ten feel that their doctor makes unrealistic suggestions about
their lifestyle. An analysis of the survey revealed five segments of
patients with similar attitudes and behaviours. Two of these groups
(predominantly comprising younger people) had particularly negative feelings
about living with diabetes and these groups also feel they have a poor
relationship with their doctor. They are more likely to feel the doctor
offers unrealistic advice and "nags" them to change their diet and exercise
regime.
The majority of people surveyed would like to see better new treatments in
the future, particularly ones that are easier to use, don't involve the use
of insulin and help patients control their weight.
More detailed findings from the study can be provided on request.
About The Research Partnership
The Research Partnership has conducted high quality global market research
for the pharmaceutical industry for over 12 years. The company has
headquarters in London and offices in Berlin, Philadelphia, Toronto and
Singapore.
Source: The Research Partnership Ltd
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/162161.php
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