Largest global survey investigating early Type 2 Diabetes conversations launched by Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company in partnership with the International Diabetes Federation

Ingelheim, Germany and Indianapolis, US, 2 December, 2013 - Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company today announced the launch of the largest multinational survey to investigate early conversations between physicians and people living with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). The survey was developed in partnership with the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and will include more than 10,000 people with T2D and more than 6,500 treating-physicians across 26 countries worldwide. The findings will provide in-depth insights into early conversations at diagnosis and when an additional therapy may be required beyond the first medication. The survey will also investigate how these early conversations may be linked to an individual’s wellbeing and other self-reported outcomes.

Early and comprehensive management of T2D has been shown to lead to better outcomes and the reduction of diabetes-related complications.^1,2 Effective communication between a person living with T2D and their physician right from diagnosis may increase the individual’s satisfaction and adherence, improve quality of life, enhance self-care, and may even improve blood glucose control and outcomes.^3,4

"Being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes can be a challenging and emotional period, which understandably, many people find overwhelming. Ensuring individuals have the support they need at this time as well as an understanding of the progressive nature of their condition and the importance of self-management - right from the start - is crucial to success in the long run. The early conversations people with Type 2 Diabetes have with their physicians are essential" said Ms. Anne Belton, Vice President at the International Diabetes Federation. "This new survey will provide valuable insights into these important early conversations and will help aid the development of solutions for physicians and people with Type 2 Diabetes. Together these will help deliver valuable support early on in the treatment pathway."

The global survey will provide a comprehensive snapshot of the current perceptions of both physicians and people living with T2D of these important early conversations and will highlight challenges or potential areas for improvement. Solutions based on the insights provided will be developed by the Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company Diabetes Alliance. These will aim to support primary care physicians and people living with T2D, so they remain informed, motivated and confident in their efforts to actively manage the condition. First results are expected to be announced during 2014.

About the Survey
The survey is concentrated on the needs and realities of primary care. It utilises a combination of both validated tools and new research approaches, to investigate the early conversations in T2D. It is expected to produce information on what patients take away from these conversations and how this is associated with patient wellbeing and other self-reported patient outcomes. Results from the survey will provide insights to aid the development of solutions that can support physicians in conducting early T2D conversations and optimise the limited time they have for patients, by focusing on the elements that have the potential to make a difference.

The survey is closely developed with an international advisory board of professional experts, including: Ms. Anne Belton, Canada, Dr. Steven Edelman, USA, Dr. William Polonsky, USA, Dr. Matthew S Capehorn, UK and Ms. Susan Down, UK.

About Diabetes
An estimated 382 million people worldwide have Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.⁵ Type 2 Diabetes is the most common type, accounting for an estimated 90 percent of all diabetes cases.⁶ Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body either does not properly produce, or use, the hormone insulin.^7​

Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company
In January 2011, Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company announced an alliance in the field of diabetes that centres on three compounds representing several of the largest diabetes treatment classes. This alliance leverages the companies’ strengths as two of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, combining Boehringer Ingelheim’s solid track record of research-driven innovation and Lilly’s innovative research, experience, and pioneering history in diabetes. By joining forces, the companies demonstrate commitment in the care of patients with diabetes and stand together to focus on patient needs. Find out more about the alliance at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com or www.lilly.com.

About Boehringer Ingelheim
The Boehringer Ingelheim group is one of the world’s 20 leading pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, it operates globally with 140 affiliates and more than 46,000 employees. Since it was founded in 1885, the family-owned company has been committed to researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing novel medications of high therapeutic value for human and veterinary medicine.

Social responsibility is a central element of Boehringer Ingelheim's culture. Involvement in social projects, caring for employees and their families, and providing equal opportunities for all employees form the foundation of the global operations. Mutual cooperation and respect, as well as environmental protection and sustainability are intrinsic factors in all of Boehringer Ingelheim’s endeavours.

In 2012, Boehringer Ingelheim achieved net sales of about €14.7 billion. R&D expenditure in the business area Prescription Medicines corresponds to 22.5% of its net sales.

For more information please visit www.boehringer-ingelheim.com

About Eli Lilly and Company
Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation is developing a growing portfolio of pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organisations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, IN, Lilly provides answers – through medicines and information – for some of the world's most urgent medical needs. Additional information about Lilly is available at www.lilly.com.

About Lilly Diabetes
Lilly has been a global leader in diabetes care since 1923, when we introduced the world’s first commercial insulin. Today we work to meet the diverse needs of people with diabetes through research and collaboration, a broad and growing product portfolio and a continued commitment to providing real solutions – from medicines to support programmes and more – to make lives better.
For more information, visit www.lillydiabetes.com​