OBJECTIVES: There is a dearth of published research on the unmet needs and disease burden reported by patients with Type 2 diabetes (T2D). The objectives of the current study were to use qualitative interviews to explore patients’ past and present experiences with T2D and associated treatments, and the perceived value of achieving normoglycemia (HbA1c <5.7%).

METHODS: A cross-sectional qualitative interview study was conducted among patient with T2D from the United States (US) and United Kingdom (UK). Interview topics explored the patient’s T2D treatment journey, perceptions of their future with T2D, and the perceived value of achieving normoglycemia (explored through presentation of two vignettes with hypothetical medications that reduced HbA1c levels <7% and <5.7%, respectively). Other important aspects of the medications including weight loss and side effects were also described.

RESULTS: Patients with T2D (N=50; US n=25; UK n=25) were 66% male, had a mean BMI of 30.8 ± 6.3 kg/m², and a mean time of 13.0 ± 10.0 years since diagnosis. Current diabetes treatments included oral medications (86.0%), insulin (26.0%), and non-insulin injections (8.0%). Despite being treated, patients reported over 20 different unmet needs related to their T2D across a broad range of domains. The most common concerns were diet, diabetes-related complications, weight changes, psychological and emotional issues, challenges with activities of daily living, and burden of monitoring. A large majority of patients indicated that achieving lower HbA1c values would change their life. When reflecting on the value of improved glycemic control, patients primarily anticipated physical improvements and increased psychological/emotional well-being with less anxiety and fear associated with their condition.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients on currently available treatments for T2D have a high disease burden and a broad range of unmet needs. Many patients indicated that achieving near normoglycemia would substantially change their lives in terms of their physical and emotional health.