Younger sufferers are also more likely than older patients to skip doctor visits, test less frequently, says GfK study (image: Anna Frodesiak/ Wikimedia Commons)
NEW YORK, April, 9, 2014 (Korea Bizwire)–Buffeted by an uncertain economy and rising treatment costs, diabetes (Type 2) patients in Generations X and Y (roughly ages 20 to 48) are more likely than older sufferers to be managing their condition without medication, doctor guidance, or even testing, says a new GfK report.
The latest Roper Diabetes Patient Study shows that 57% of diabetes patients between ages 18 and 45 say they “often worry about the cost” of their condition; and 17% report that they are managing their condition with diet and/or exercise alone. These are roughly double the figures (31%, 9%) for Type 2 sufferers in the 65-plus age group. In addition, these younger sufferers are more likely to skip doctor visits and test their blood sugar levels less frequently due to financial concerns. (See Table 1.)
Table 1. Financial worries & treatment choices in Type 2 diabetes patients
| “In reaction to current economic conditions, I … “ | 18 to 45 years old |
45 to 65 years old |
65+ years old |
|||
|
“ … reduced the number of visits I made to the doctor or HCP” |
47 | 29 | 15 | |||
| “ … test less frequently so I use fewer strips”* | 37 | 26 | 15 | |||
| “ … don’t take my medication as often as prescribed”* | 20 | 12 | 7 |
Market estimates indicate that diabetes roughly doubles the medical expenses of sufferers; and younger (under-45) patients are more likely to be dependent on employer-based or private insurance (60%, versus 48% for those ages 45 to 64), making them especially vulnerable to fluctuations in the economy. In addition, Generations X (roughly ages 34 to 48) and Y (ages 20 to 33) are known to see themselves as “Invincibles,” immune to serious health conditions and able to “go it alone.”
“Today’s 18-to-45 age group will one day represent the majority of diabetes patients – and the corners they are cutting now will impact their health and treatment options in the years to come,” said Mary McBride, Vice President of the Roper Diabetes Patient Study in North America. “Generations X and Y have lower incomes, rely on uncertain sources of insurance, and have a penchant for seeing themselves as ‘invincible’ – a recipe for inadequate diabetes treatment. Plain-spoken education about the dangers of their condition when not properly assessed or managed could go a long way toward bringing these young adult sufferers back into compliance.”
The Roper Diabetes Patient Study is an annual survey of the US diagnosed diabetes population, on-going since 1989. It provides a consistent, comprehensive understanding of the US diabetes population via a large, nationally representative, and projectable sample of the adult diagnosed diabetes population – over 2,000 patients interviewed in-depth, via telephone (RDD) and Internet (KnowledgePanel®). Spanish-language interviewing ensures coverage of Latinos, a fast-growing diabetes population.
About GfK
GfK is the trusted source of relevant market and consumer information that enables its clients to make smarter decisions. More than 13,000 market research experts combine their passion with GfK’s 80 years of data science experience. This allows GfK to deliver vital global insights matched with local market intelligence from more than 100 countries. By using innovative technologies and data sciences, GfK turns big data into smart data, enabling its clients to improve their competitive edge and enrich consumers’ experiences and choices.
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Source: GfK (via BusinessWire)
