OBJECTIVES: A recent publication exploring real-world treatment patterns between 2000-2015 found HbA1c control in type 2 diabetics has not improved post-2008, one reason being attributable to treatment inertia. This analysis aims to identify the humanistic and economic burden amongst this patient type compared to patients receiving more active management.

METHODS: Data were drawn from the 2016 US/EU Adelphi Diabetes Disease Specific Programme. Diabetes specialists and primary care physicians completed physician-reported forms for the next 10 consulting patients including demographics, clinical measures, prescribed drugs, healthcare practitioner (HCP) visits. Patients provided information about the impact of diabetes. Current therapy duration and current HbA1c classified 3 groups: 1) actively managed (dynamic): treatment change within previous 6 months; any HbA1c; 2) non-dynamic/controlled: last treatment change >6 months; HbA1c <7.5%; 3) non-dynamic/uncontrolled (treatment inertia): last treatment change >6 months; HbA1c >7.5%.

RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS: Clinically inert patients represent a group with higher economic burden and suffer a greater impact on lifestyle. Identification and understanding of these patients could help personalise treatment to achieve optimal diabetes control and thus reduce burden of illness.