New US study shows some minority groups with diabetes experience positive psychological outcomes but report high levels of diabetes distress

PLAINSBORO, N.J., Aug. 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Results from an analysis of US respondents from Novo Nordisk's Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs 2 (DAWN2™) study were published recently in Current Medical Research and Opinion. The study shows that minority populations in the US with diabetes, including African Americans, Chinese Americans, and Hispanics, reported positive psychological well-being, better quality of life, and feeling more empowered with respect to their diabetes compared with non-Hispanic whites.¹ However, the minority groups experienced higher levels of diabetes-related distress, which may impact diabetes outcomes.² DAWN2™ is the largest global study to explore the unmet needs of people with diabetes.

"Despite the fact that minority populations are at increased risk for diabetes-related physical health problems and complications, minority groups in this study reported better quality of life and increased empowerment compared with non-Hispanic whites, but they struggle with diabetes distress," said Professor Mark Peyrot, Professor and Chair of Sociology, Loyola University Maryland and principal investigator of the DAWN2™ study. "It is important that diabetes care teams be aware of the differences among the diverse populations living with the disease in the United States in order to tailor their approaches to improve the psychological well-being of people with diabetes."

Specifically, the US DAWN2™ findings showed:

• African Americans reported the most positive psychological outcomes, including well-being, quality of life, and impact of diabetes on various aspects of daily life, and the lowest distress of the three minority groups¹
• All three minority groups reported higher levels of diabetes distress compared with non-Hispanic whites¹
• For the most part, all three ethnic groups reported slightly higher levels of diabetes burden compared with non-Hispanic whites. This includes worrying about low blood sugar, dietary restrictions, and perceived diabetes discrimination¹
• Interestingly, worrying about weight, low blood sugar, and discrimination was associated with increased empowerment for adults with diabetes.¹ All three minority groups reported feeling more empowered with respect to their diabetes compared with non-Hispanic whites¹
• A strong association was seen between receiving person-centered care and a greater feeling of empowerment¹

"DAWN2™ represents Novo Nordisk's commitment to identifying and addressing gaps in diabetes care beyond providing appropriate medicines," said Todd Hobbs, US Chief Medical Officer, Novo Nordisk Inc. "The psychological impact and burden of diabetes on people living with the disease, especially minority groups, is not fully recognized. We continue to learn from the DAWN2™ study and hope that these insights will bring light to many important issues facing the diabetes community."

About DAWN2™
DAWN2™ was conducted in collaboration with the International Diabetes Federation, the International Alliance of Patients' Organizations, the Steno Diabetes Center, and a range of other national, regional, and global partners. The study represents the voices of more than 15,000 people living with diabetes, family members, and health care professionals across 17 countries across 4 continents. In the United States, the study included 1055 adults (447 non-Hispanic whites, 241 African Americans, 194 Hispanics, and 173 Chinese Americans diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes for at least 12 months) to reflect the diverse population of those living with diabetes.

About Novo Nordisk
Headquartered in Denmark, Novo Nordisk is a global health care company with more than 90 years of innovation and leadership in diabetes care. The company also has leading positions within hemophilia care, growth hormone therapy, and hormone replacement therapy. Novo Nordisk employs approximately 40,000 employees in 75 countries, and markets its products in more than 180 countries. For more information, visit novonordisk-US.com or follow us on Twitter @NovoNordiskUS. 

SOURCE Novo Nordisk