CVS/pharmacy Finds Economic Concerns a Barrier to Care for Some Diabetic Patients

Daily glucose testing and proper diet suffer most, according to recent survey of patients with diabetes

Findings confirm patient need for discounts on diabetes supplies through programs like ExtraCare Advantage for Diabetes

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Nov 01, 2010, 01:00 ET

WOONSOCKET, R.I., Nov. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- CVS/pharmacy today announced results of a survey examining various aspects of disease management and lifestyle for patients with diabetes. Among the findings was the effect that economic concerns are having on patient care. Of 3,242 respondents with diabetes, 32 percent reported they have been less vigilant about daily glucose testing due to cost. Twenty-four percent of respondents said that cost has led them to be less conscientious about maintaining a proper diet.

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When it comes to cost, some patients are more affected than others. Individuals age 18-34 cited significantly higher neglect of daily glucose testing (42 percent), proper diet (40 percent) and medication (29 percent) due to cost than older age groups. Challenges to maintaining a daily testing regimen are also cited more often by African American (37 percent) and Latino (36 percent) respondents than by Caucasian respondents (30 percent). To support patients with diabetes, CVS/pharmacy's ExtraCare Advantage for Diabetes program helps patients with diabetes keep costs down on an ongoing basis through discounts on supplies necessary to manage their condition.

"Given recent projections from the CDC that as many as one in three American adults could have diabetes by 2050, monitoring and maintaining healthy glucose levels is critical to prevent further complications from the disease and avoid even more significant healthcare costs," said Troyen A. Brennan, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, CVS Caremark. "We've established a number of programs to help patients manage their diabetes and the costs associated with the disease."

The survey revealed positive news about glucose monitoring with an A1c test. Fifty-four percent of respondents have an A1c test every three months, and 33 percent receive an A1c test every six months, which is within American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines for patients with diabetes to check these levels at least twice a year. Among the 3,117 survey respondents who received an A1c test, 62 percent reported their most recently tested A1c level was within the range advised by their doctor.

MinuteClinic walk-in medical clinics inside select CVS/pharmacy stores are offering complimentary A1c tests to those with diabetes, in recognition of American Diabetes Month® in November. The free tests, sponsored by Bayer Diabetes Care, are available while supplies last. Visit www.minuteclinic.com/freea1c for information and locations.

About CVS/pharmacy

CVS/pharmacy is the retail division of CVS Caremark Corporation (NYSE: CVS). The Company operates more than 7,000 CVS/pharmacy and Longs Drugs stores. CVS/pharmacy is committed to improving the lives of those we serve by making innovative and high-quality health and pharmacy services safe, affordable and easy to access, both in its stores and online at CVS.com. General information about CVS/pharmacy and CVS Caremark is available at http://www.info.cvscaremark.com/.

About the survey

The CVS/pharmacy diabetes survey was completed in October 2010 and includes responses from 4,491 online interviews conducted by Acumen. To qualify for inclusion in the study, respondents needed to be 18 or older, either have diabetes themselves or be the parent, guardian or caregiver to someone with the disease, and be enrolled in the ExtraCare Advantage for Diabetes program within the past few months.