Serious Cardiovascular Disease in People with Type 2 Diabetes in the UAE

Two out of three diabetics will die of complications such as heart attack or stroke

DUBAI, UAE, 14 May, 2012 - New data announced today revealed a significant under-utilization of statins, a cholesterol-lowering medication used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, in patients with type 2 diabetes in the UAE. The survey which was conducted by independent market research agency Bryter Health and supported by MSD highlighted the need for greater public awareness on the dangers of diabetes; which affects more than 18% of the UAE's adult population.[1]

Though survey results showed that all physicians agreed with the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) global guidelines[2], which state that statins should be prescribed to all patients with type 2 diabetes over the age of 40 and to all those with declared cardiovascular disease, less than one third (32%) of patients reported they had been advised to take a statin. Of equal concern, was that from the 32% advised to take cholesterol lowering agents, only 19 percent, were actually following physician's advice.  Despite the high prevalence of diabetes in comparison to many other countries surveyed, data showed a greater uptake of statin treatment amongst type 2 diabetes patients elsewhere in the world than it did in the UAE.

Commenting on the survey findings, Mr. Andrew Miles, Managing Director for MSD in the Gulf Region, said: "At MSD we are committed to raising awareness of crucial disease areas like diabetes, and the serious complications they can lead to. Promoting greater physician and patient understanding of the link between diabetes and the risk of cardiovascular disease is essential if we are to save lives. Despite the fact that physicians clearly understand the need to manage cardiovascular risks for their patients with type 2 diabetes; many patients still do not follow medical advice, simply because they still do not understand the severity of the risk they are putting themselves at. Patients need to be aware of their risks for heart disease or stroke if we are to ensure more UAE diabetics are to adhere to the correct medical treatments."

Nearly all (98%) physicians surveyed believed that patients with type 2 diabetes sometimes, frequently, or very frequently have problems adhering to their statin treatment. These findings suggest that poor compliance may be a major barrier contributing to the low use of statins amongst patients. More than two thirds (68%) of the physicians surveyed thought that complaints about having to take too many pills was a key reason that patients eligible to take a statin were not.

When asked directly about their statin treatment, just under two-thirds of patients reported that they sometimes or often have difficulties following their statin regimen as prescribed. A quarter stated this was because they didn't understand why they needed to take the statin, despite 65% reporting that heart disease was their biggest worry regarding the complications of diabetes.

"These findings further emphasize the need for increased education about the link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease. More communication between patients and physicians about the cardiovascular disease risks associated with diabetes is essential, so that physicians can develop an individualized treatment plan that is right for their patients," concluded Dr. Jaber Al Ansari, Consultant and Endocrinologist at the Dubai Hospital.

About Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that's made by your body or comes from your diet.  Low-density lipoprotein particles, or LDL, carry most of the cholesterol in the blood. LDL cholesterol is often called "bad cholesterol."  Over time, unhealthy levels of LDL can cause cholesterol build up in the arteries forming plaque, which can reduce blood flow.  Plaque can break open, causing clots in the arteries and further blocking blood flow, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

About Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic, progressive disease that affects approximately 366 million people worldwide. By 2030, it is estimated that 552 million people will have diabetes. In many parts of the world, where trends toward obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are on the rise, diabetes is occurring in epidemic proportions. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among people with type 2 diabetes and approximately two out of three people with diabetes die of complications, such as heart attack or stroke. People with type 2 diabetes can lower their risk for heart disease and stroke by managing their blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Survey Design

The 2012 Diabetes and Cardiovascular (CV) Risk Survey, conducted by Bryter Health for MSD, was designed to gain insight into communication between physicians and patients with type 2 diabetes about cardiovascular disease, and to increase awareness of the importance of reducing CV risk in people with diabetes.

A total of 600 interviews were conducted among 300 physicians, who were either hospital based (diabetologists; diabetes specialists; endocrinologists), or working as General Practitioners (GPs); Primary Care Physicians (PCPs); Family Care Physicians (FCPs), and 300 people who had been diagnosed with and treated for type 2 diabetes, across three emerging markets: United Arab Emirates, Mexico and India (100 physicians, and 100 patients interviewed per market).

The interviews were conducted via an online survey that took approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. In the UAE, booster recruitment via the telephone was required in order to get respondents to conduct the online survey, and to achieve the target number of interviews.

In the UAE, the sample was split: 80% GP/ PCP / FCP and 20% Endocrinologists / Diabetologists / Diabetes specialists. In Mexico, the sample contained 100% GP/ PCP / FCP. In India, the physician sample was split: 50% GP/ PCP / FCP and 50% Endocrinologists / Diabetologists / Diabetes specialists. The data was primarily collected between December 2011 and February 2012.

About MSD
Today's MSD is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. MSD is a trade name of Merck & Co., Inc., with headquarters in Whitehouse Station, N.J., U.S.A.  Through our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and consumer care and animal health products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to healthcare through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

About MSD in the United Arab Emirates:
MSD has had presence in the UAE since the 1970's, and currently has one office in Dubai and one in Abu Dhabi. The total number of employees is 83. MSD invests in partnerships and collaboration with local manufacturers and healthcare companies. MSD considers UAE as a priority country and continues to make all efforts to rapidly introduce innovative medicines to patients in UAE with a focus on unmet needs of patients, i.e. diabetes, cardiovascular, and several pioneering, novel vaccines. MSD in the UAE is committed to excellence in science, and has been focusing on clinical research activities in the region.

MSD works closely with customers to understand their needs and help them achieve their goals of patient care. In the past, MSD has already been partnering with health care authorities in the UAE on various programs, including an internet-based continuous medical education for health care professionals. With the approval of UAE Ministry of Health, MSD also developed diabetes patient education materials in English and Arabic, which is distributed to all clinics and health centers.

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[1] (Manuel and Schultz 2004; Narayan and others 2003).

[2] IDF Clinical Guidelines Task Force. Global guideline for Type 2 diabetes. Brussels: International Diabetes Federation, 2005

© Press Release 2012