Insights Into the Management of Type 2 Diabetes at Diagnosis in Spain: The NEW2TYPE2 Study

This study analysed the opinions and perceptions of Spanish physicians towards the management of people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D) aged ≤ 65 years.

Online survey targeting primary care physicians (PCPs) and endocrinologists (members of three national scientific societies) treating people with T2D. Management practices and factors determining prescribed therapies and treatment goals were captured in general and by patient profile. The respondents' perception of the limitations in setting strict glycaemic control objectives and weight loss targets, and the feasibility and impact of possible solutions, were examined.

A total of 105 physicians (60% PCPs, 40% endocrinologists) responded to the survey; 98% of respondents reported following clinical practice guidelines; 53.3% and 27.6% considered stringent glycaemic control to be HbA1c levels of 6.0%-6.5% and 6.5%-7.0%, respectively. In patient profiles with overweight/obesity, > 90% reported setting weight loss goals, with 5%-10% weight loss being the most common target. The most limiting factors for the establishment of stringent glycaemic and weight loss targets were the lack of awareness of self-care of the disease (74.3%) and the cost to the healthcare system of the most effective drugs (72.4%). Training and the implementation of simple protocols and algorithms were the solutions perceived as having the greatest impact and feasibility. Redefining visa criteria was considered the solution with the highest impact.

The results are consistent with clinical practice guidelines' recommendations in Spain, but early and intensive interventions focused on reducing the risk of long-term complications in people with T2D who have longer life expectancy could be promoted at diagnosis.