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Published on September 26, 2007

Side effects include low blood-sugar levels and weight gain.

The survey included 150 type-two patients and 59 doctors in Thailand. It found 41 per cent of patients felt their disease was not well controlled while 56 per cent of doctors believed patients were not fully aware of the complications associated with diabetes.

Only 20 per cent of patients considered the impact of the disease on their daily lives.

The survey is part of a global study to evaluate patient and physician awareness and concerns about diabetes and its management. In all, 1,200 patients and 400 physicians in eight countries were involved. The other countries were the United Kingdom, Canada, Philippines, Germany, Singapore, Spain and Brazil.

It was conducted between February and March this year by Fieldwork International Healthcare and commissioned by MSD Thailand.

MSD medical director Dr Surachai Kitsiripornchai said the survey provided material for health researchers and scientists to develop a new drug treatment for sufferers.

"We want to find the best solution for patients with type-two diabetes and hope this survey can provide answers," Surachai said.

Diabetes treatments vary depending on age, weight and complications. Medications include insulin to control blood-sugar levels.

Ramathibodi Hospital endocrinologist Dr Pongamoon Bunnag said the current choice of treatment was insufficient, especially when it came to side-effects.

"Most patients with type-two diabetes suffer severe side effects from current treatments - particularly low levels of blood sugar," Pongamoon said.

He suggested they exercise more and avoid fatty, sweet foods. This would prevent complications.

Pongphon Sarnsamak

 The Nation