- Canadians living with type 2 diabetes agree that uplifting
words, positive feedback and supportive tools are the most powerful
motivators
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Oct. 30,
2024 /CNW/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) today released new
data highlighting the emotional challenges faced by people living
with type 2 diabetes, revealing key motivators to help them manage
their condition.
Nearly 12 million Canadians are living with diabetes or
pre-diabetes, and the overwhelming majority have or will be
diagnosed with type 2.1 While a variety of factors
contribute to the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, it is often
positioned to be in someone's control and associated with lifestyle
factors, like nutrition and exercise.2 This perception,
along with the words and actions of others, can have a profound
impact on those navigating the realities of type 2 diabetes.
Abbott's FreeStyle Libre Report: The Power of Positive
Motivation for Type 2 Diabetes Management explores the
experiences of Canadians with type 2 diabetes and the factors
influencing their care. It includes expert recommendations on how
those living with the condition, their loved ones, healthcare
teams, and government and community leaders can offer support with
encouragement and empathy.
Results from the report found that:
- Type 2 diabetes comes with many emotions, with Canadians
saying their diabetes makes them feel stressed (25 per cent) and
anxious (21 per cent).3
- Positivity is key: Canadians agree that positive
reinforcement from their healthcare providers (80 per cent) and
friends and family (67 per cent) help them better manage their
diabetes.4
- Professional advice is welcomed, noting that two in five
Canadians (41 per cent) appreciate guidance and direction from
their healthcare providers.
- Data supports motivation, with users of sensor-based
glucose monitors, like Abbott's FreeStyle Libre systems, saying the
information offered by these tools helps them understand how
lifestyle choices affect their diabetes (82 per cent) and helps
keep them motivated to better manage their condition (77 per
cent).5
"When it comes to diabetes management, we know there is power in
encouragement," says Dr. Michael
Vallis, a health psychologist specializing in motivation and
psychosocial adaptation to chronic conditions, including diabetes.
"Our supportive words, paired with the real-time feedback offered
by tools like flash glucose monitoring systems, can give our loved
ones a boost and help them feel like their diabetes goals are
achievable."
The report features recommendations from diabetes experts,
including Dr. Vallis on helping to manage the diabetes experience
for Canadians. Their recommendations include listening
empathetically, leading with positivity and using supportive
diabetes tools like Abbott's FreeStyle Libre 2* system,
which can help people understand their health journey by giving
them real-time feedback on their progress. Additionally, they offer
tips to help those with diabetes stay motivated.
"Abbott is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of
people living with diabetes," said Luz
Herrera, general manager of Abbott's diabetes care business
in Canada. "By highlighting the
experiences of those with type 2 diabetes and providing effective
solutions, we strive to enhance the health and wellbeing of
millions across the country who are on their journey to better
health. "
Learn more about the report at myfreestyle.ca.
About the Report:
Abbott's FreeStyle Libre
Report explores the perspectives of Canadians living with type
2 diabetes and the role of motivation in their diabetes management
and overall experience.
The report pulls data from an online survey conducted by Leger
Marketing, on behalf of Abbott, between May
23 and May 30, 2024. The survey was made up of 307 Canadian
respondents, 18 years and older, living with type 2 diabetes, and a
probability sample would have a margin of error of ±5.6%, 19 times
out of 20. The sample was designed to ensure the respondent
population accurately reflects the diversity of each region,
gender, age, ethnicity and language in Canada.
About Abbott:
Abbott is a global healthcare leader
that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our
portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of
healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics,
medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our
114,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.
Connect with us at www.abbott.com and
on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
DISCLAIMERS
* The FreeStyle Libre 2 flash glucose
monitoring system is indicated for measuring interstitial fluid
glucose levels in people aged 4 years and older with diabetes
mellitus. Always read and follow the label/insert.
1 Diabetes Canada.
"Diabetes in Canada,"
Diabetes.ca. 2023.
https://www.diabetes.ca/advocacy---policies/advocacy-reports/national-and-provincial-backgrounders/diabetes-in-canada.
2 Diabetes Canada.
"'Causes' of diabetes," Diabetes.ca. 2023.
https://www.diabetes.ca/about-diabetes-(3)/causes-of-diabetes.
3 Leger Marketing. Abbott Diabetes Care: Type 2
Diabetes, Q6. June 2024.
4 Leger Marketing. Abbott Diabetes Care: Type 2
Diabetes, Q11. June 2024.
5 Leger Marketing. Abbott Diabetes Care: Type 2
Diabetes, Q12. June 2024.
SOURCE Abbott