A Moment To Reflect on the Evolving Approach for Diabetes Management
By Mohamed Eid, M.D., M.P.H, M.H.A
As the American Diabetes Association’s 79th Scientific Sessions® come to a close here in San Francisco, we recognize the significance of this year’s meeting as it relates to the massive progress made over the last five years in the treatment of diabetes, particularly with respect to associated disorders, notably cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease.
The intertwining of these conditions cannot be denied – approximately two out of every three people with type 2 diabetes in the U.S. die of cardiovascular disease, and about two thirds of chronic kidney disease cases are attributable to metabolic disorders such as diabetes. The impact of these diseases on patients and society is massive. Chronic kidney disease affects approximately 15 percent of adults in the United States and treatment costs are estimated to exceed $48 billion annually. Costs for cardiovascular disease are projected to rise to more than $1 trillion by 2030.
The reality of these public health challenges has prompted a paradigm shift in clinical efforts surrounding the treatment of diabetes. At Boehringer Ingelheim, we are proud to have been at the forefront of such pioneering cardiometabolic research efforts through our alliance with Eli Lilly and Company, notably with our landmark 2015 clinical trial findings that demonstrated the first cardiovascular benefit for a type 2 diabetes medication.
For people with diabetes and those who treat them, the ensuing emergence of additional evidence suggesting that diabetes medications may treat multiple interconnected and life-threatening disorders has brought about a sea change — one that continues to grow, as evidenced by the abundance of data regarding cardiovascular and renal outcomes being presented this year at a meeting focused on diabetes.
As research expands and treatment options evolve, so too has the way healthcare providers approach the care of people with type 2 diabetes. The importance of the trial results noted above are reflected in the latest changes to treatment guidelines. Updates to the ACC Expert Consensus Decision Pathway, the ADA-EASD Consensus Report and the 2019 ADA Standards of Care represent an important shift toward a comprehensive and multidisciplinary team-based approach to reducing cardiovascular risk, improving survival and managing the overall well-being of people with type 2 diabetes.
As with past efforts, maximizing the value of current and future strides in improving outcomes for people with diabetes will require collaboration among patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, professional associations and payers. Over the years, Boehringer Ingelheim and Lilly have been afforded the opportunity to work closely with advocacy organizations across the world, and to establish partnerships with leading health systems to identify ways to improve patient access to healthcare. We are committed to continuing educational initiatives, including “Know Diabetes by Heart” – a landmark collaboration between industry and advocacy, and the newly launched “Unleashing the Truth” video series, which are raising awareness of the connection between diabetes and cardiovascular disease and improving patient care through relationship building.
We recognize that our work has only just begun. As leaders in the development and advancement of therapies for cardiometabolic conditions, we will use our unique position to continue pushing forward to address the diverse medical needs of people all over the world who are living with diabetes and related health conditions. From what I’ve learned in San Francisco, I can say with confidence that our track record gives me great optimism for the future.