OBJECTIVES

There is a paucity of health outcomes related data on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This study was designed to research health outcomes and treatment preferences in this population.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, multi-phased, face-to-face, mixed methods study was conducted among adult KSA patients with T2DM (Phase 1 qualitative n=11, Phase 2 survey pilot n=10, Phase 3 final survey n=300). The study methods and survey were adapted to ensure they were KSA culturally appropriate. Participants reported their T2DM, current treatment, challenges, Ramadan blood glucose management, willingness to inject, injection preferences for profiles of two injectable treatments (dulaglutide and semaglutide), sociodemographic information and completed the EQ-5D-5L and Impact of Weight on Self Perception (IW-SP) instruments.

RESULTS

310 participants completed the survey (53% male; mean (SD) time since T2DM diagnosis 6.3 (5.0) years). The mean EQ-5D-5L visual analogue scale score was 80.2 (SD=13.0). 79% reported that they worried about their T2DM. IW-SP results revealed that 22% of participants indicated they felt self-conscious due to their weight. During Ramadan, specifically, a third (32%) reported feeling worried about their T2DM. In this study, patients’ willingness to inject T2DM medication changed after learning more about the devices, with more responders willing to take dulaglutide compared to semaglutide. At least twice as many participants preferred the dulaglutide device over the semaglutide device (p<.0001), with ease of use being the most common reason for this preference. Participants reported a wide range of impacts from T2DM on their life.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides valuable insights into KSA T2DM patient beliefs, treatment preferences and the impact of the disease on quality of life. It is imperative to consider cultural sensitivities when conducting studies in KSA.