Novo Nordisk study highlights discrimination against diabetics

Novo Nordisk has reported data from its Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs 2 (Dawn 2) study, which highlights the discrimination that diabetes patients are forced to deal with.

According to the survey – which involved more than 15,000 diabetes patients and carers in 17 countries – around one in five diabetic people feel discriminated against because of their condition.

A lack of support in the broader community was cited as a key problem, with one-third of medical professionals stating there is a major need for improvement in the acceptance of people with diabetes as equal members of society.

There was also evidence that this discrimination is having a negative emotional impact on patients.

Sir Michael Hirst, president of the International Diabetes Federation, said: "In this day and age, no-one should face discrimination because of diabetes and people with diabetes have the right to live full, active lives."

Last month, Novo Nordisk announced that it will be expanding its Danish manufacturing site in Kalundborg to accommodate future production of semaglutide, a new treatment for type 2 diabetes.