Doctors Agree Small Lifestyle Changes Can Improve Outcomes of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes, National Survey Finds

RARITAN, N.J., March 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- A new, national survey revealed physicians feel type 2 diabetes patients could better manage their disease by appreciating the benefits of "small successes" - such as walking instead of driving short distances - rather than focusing on drastic changes.  In fact, 97 percent of physicians said type 2 diabetes patients would have more success in managing their disease if they understood that even a small 5- to 10-pound weight loss would improve outcomes.

While there are a number of type 2 diabetes treatments available, the survey results pointed to unmet needs.  Only three percent of physicians surveyed considered themselves "very satisfied" with current treatments for type 2 diabetes.  Nearly 7 in 10 are not satisfied with the ability of current oral prescription therapies to address blood glucose, weight loss, and blood pressure in a single treatment.

"There is a clear need for additional therapeutic options to address these unmet patient needs and help physicians and their patients better manage type 2 diabetes," said David Horwitz, MD, chief medical officer of the Johnson & Johnson Diabetes Institute, a global initiative aimed at improving diabetes outcomes.  "Advancing patient care is a key focus of Janssen and Johnson & Johnson."

The survey also found both physicians and the general public strongly agree a significant challenge in the treatment of type 2 diabetes is the fact that patients don't realize the disease impacts their entire body.  Fewer than one in three physicians felt patients are very aware of negative effects the disease has on the body beyond blood glucose, including impacts on the heart, kidneys, and pancreas. 

"The survey results highlight the importance of taking a more holistic approach to diabetes management," said Dr. Horwitz.  "We need to help patients focus beyond just the reduction of blood sugar to address other related medical issues."

Diabetes affects approximately 25.8 million people in the United Statesⁱ and new diagnoses continue to increase.ⁱⁱ  Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 percent to 95 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes.ⁱ  

About the Survey
GfK, an independent market research firm, conducted this national survey of 300 U.S. primary care physicians online and more than 1,000 adults via telephone on behalf of the Johnson & Johnson Diabetes Institute, LLC, and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a pharmaceutical company of Johnson & Johnson.  The survey was conducted in November 2012.

About Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
As a member of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is dedicated to addressing and resolving the major unmet medical needs of our time. Driven by our commitment to patients, healthcare professionals, and caregivers, we strive to develop sustainable and integrated healthcare solutions by working in partnership with all stakeholders on the basis of trust and transparency. Our daily work is guided by meeting goals of excellence in quality, innovation, safety, and efficacy in order to advance patient care.

For more information on Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., visit us at www.janssenpharmaceuticalsinc.com or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/JanssenUS and on YouTube at www.Youtube.com/JanssenUS.

About the Johnson & Johnson Diabetes Institute
The Johnson & Johnson Diabetes Institute is a global initiative that provides healthcare professionals with access to the latest information and skills training to deliver quality care at the community level, and do so in a care model that facilitates early glucose control and appropriate follow-up.  The Johnson & Johnson Diabetes Institute aims to be a catalyst for transforming diabetes care through innovation, improved care, and better outcomes worldwide through educational and training programs.

ⁱ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National diabetes fact sheet: national estimates and general information on diabetes and prediabetes in the United States, 2011. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2011.  
ⁱⁱ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Increasing prevalence of diagnosed diabetes - United States and Puerto Rico, 1995-2010. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. Nov 16 2012;61:918-921.

SOURCE Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.