New poll highlights treatment priorities of European primary care physicians when managing Type 2 Diabetes

Ingelheim, Germany and Indianapolis, US, 23 September 2013 - Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company today announced results from a poll conducted with more than 1,000 primary healthcare professionals (HCPs) across eight European countries surveyed on their current perceptions and challenges in treating people with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) across Europe.

The online poll consisted of five questions powered to understand factors influencing the prescribing decisions of physicians when presented with a person with T2D. Physicians were required to rank the key treatment challenges and the importance of treatment characteristics such as impact on body weight, the possible need for a dose titration period and regularity of dosing. They were also asked whether cardiovascular risk affected their treatment decision and whether cardiovascular risk is, in general, underestimated by the HCP community.

Findings from the online poll have demonstrated that 87.1 percent of physicians regard cardiovascular risk as a key consideration when making their treatment decisions.¹ The poll also highlighted that 73.5 percent of physicians believed the importance of cardiovascular risk in people with T2D is currently underestimated.¹

Risk factors such as obesity, smoking and high blood pressure were identified by 56.3 percent of those surveyed as the most important challenge when treating people with T2D, with therapeutic decisions being based on consideration of these along with risk of side effects of medication (37.4 percent) and individual patient characteristics such as renal function (26.9 percent).¹

The results of the survey showed how complicated managing T2D can be for primary care physicians and people with T2D. It also highlighted the complexity of deciding which oral therapy to prescribe, with avoidance of initial dose titration stated as being a primary concern. In addition, 42.6 percent of the physicians surveyed expressed that the number of doses required for a treatment per day was also a significant consideration for treatment choice.¹

"We consider it important that despite the complexity of Type 2 Diabetes, primary healthcare physicians are evaluating the full spectrum of the disease when making treatment choices with their patients," commented Professor Klaus Dugi, Corporate Senior Vice President Medicine, Boehringer Ingelheim. "This is positive news, as it reassures patients that their healthcare professionals are providing management solutions that encompass all aspects of their treatment needs, ensuring the delivery of optimal care and supporting the patient to live a healthy, active life".

People living with T2D are up to six times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than those without the condition.² Physicians across Europe indicated in the survey the need for increased awareness of the true impact, with further support and education required for both people with T2D and their families.¹
The World Health Organisation has deemed the ultimate goal of diabetes therapy is to prevent such complications as coronary heart disease, nephropathy and retinopathy from occurring to improve quality of life and life expectancy.³

Methodology
Over a one month period, an online tool consisting of five short multiple choice questions was used to gauge opinion from 1,103 physicians from Austria, Belgium, France, Holland, Ireland, Spain, Switzerland and the UK. Results were then collaborated from the different markets to draw overall conclusions.

Notes to Editor

About Diabetes
An estimated 371 million people worldwide have Type 1 and T2D.² T2D is the most common type, accounting for an estimated 90% of all diabetes cases.³  Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body either does not properly produce, or use, the hormone insulin.⁶

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 centers on three compounds representing several of the largest 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.

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 endeavors.

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

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 programs and more - to make lives better.

For more information, visit www.lillydiabetes.com