Medication Intake, Perceived Barriers, and Their Correlates Among Adults With Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: Results From Diabetes MILES - The Netherlands

• Published in: Frontiers in clinical diabetes and healthcare (online) Vol. 2; p. 645609
• Main Authors: Hogervorst, Stijn, Adriaanse, Marce C, Hugtenburg, Jacqueline G, Bot, Mariska, Speight, Jane, Pouwer, Frans, Nefs, Giesje
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland Frontiers Media S.A 30.04.2021
• Subjects: Clinical Diabetes and Healthcare; type 1 diabetes; medication intake; type 2 diabetes; national survey; association model
• ISSN: 2673-6616; 2673-6616
• DOI: 10.3389/fcdhc.2021.645609

The purpose of this study is to investigate medication intake, perceived barriers and their correlates in adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. In this cross-sectional study, 3,383 Dutch adults with diabetes (42% type 1; 58% type 2) completed the 12-item 'Adherence Starts with Knowledge' questionnaire (ASK-12; total score range: 12-60) and reported socio-demographics, clinical and psychological characteristics and health behaviors. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used. Adults with type 1 diabetes had a slightly lower mean ASK-12 score (i.e. more optimal medication intake and fewer perceived barriers) than adults with non-insulin-treated type 2 diabetes. After adjustment for covariates, correlates with suboptimal intake and barriers were fewer severe hypoglycemic events and more depressive symptoms and diabetes-specific distress. In type 2 diabetes, correlates were longer diabetes duration, more depressive symptoms and diabetes-specific distress. Adults with type 1 diabetes showed slightly more optimal medication intake and fewer perceived barriers than adults with non-insulin treated type 2 diabetes. Correlates differed only slightly between diabetes types. The strong association with depressive symptoms and diabetes-specific distress in both diabetes types warrants attention, as improving these outcomes in some people with diabetes might indirectly improve medication intake.