Novo Nordisk study shows impact of diabetes on families

Novo Nordisk has published data from a new study that casts new light on the psychosocial aspects of diabetes management.

Data from the new Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs 2 survey has demonstrated that the physical, financial and emotional burden of diabetes is carried by the entire family, rather than just the patients themselves.

Of the more than 15,000 people polled across 17 countries, 63 percent of family members said they are anxious that the person they live with will develop serious complications, while 66 per cent fear they will become hypoglycaemic during the night.

Meanwhile, 34 percent of respondents have experienced a negative financial impact due to their loved one's condition and 20 percent felt their relative is discriminated against as a result of their condition.

Lars Rebien Sorensen, president and chief executive officer of Novo Nordisk, said: "Even with the best available medicines, people with diabetes depend on diabetes education and day-to-day motivation and support from family, friends and the wider society."

Last month, the company reported positive data from new studies on the benefits of Victoza, its liraglutide-based therapy for type 2 diabetes.