Eli Lilly and Company announced a five-year research partnership with the University of Surrey to study health outcomes, focussing on the effects of treatment in people with type 2 diabetes, which affects about 95 per cent of those with the disease.

Using real-world evidence (routine data gathered from patients undergoing diabetes treatments),  Lilly and the University of Surrey will focus on developing answers to commonly asked clinical questions about the continuum of diabetes care, such as the role and timing of injectable therapy, factors impacting adherence to prescribed medicines and the pattern and rationale of therapy following diagnosis.

"Living with diabetes is a long and involved journey for patients and their caregivers," said Brad Curtis, principal research scientist, Lilly Diabetes medical affairs. "It's important for clinicians to understand each step of that journey so patients might have a better chance to reach optimal outcomes. We are honored to collaborate with the University of Surrey on this important project."

"Diabetes is a complex condition to manage, requiring each patient to be treated and supported in a variety of ways," said Professor Simon de Lusignan of the University of Surrey. "Our research uses routine data to help busy clinicians incorporate innovation into routine practice, focusing on those diseases that pose highest risk.  By understanding how effectively individual care plans work we can learn more about how to improve and enhance diabetes care broadly. Our aim is to ensure that those suffering with the disease receive treatments that allow them to continue living their lives in the fullest sense, with effective support in place."

Adherence to therapy: Why do some people follow their diabetes treatment plan while others do not? What role do healthcare providers play in improving adherence rates? What are the barriers and the long-term effects for those who do not adhere to their treatment?

Triggers for initiation of injectable therapy: People with type 2 diabetes often transition to different therapies in an effort to gain greater control of the disease. These transitions could include moving from an oral treatment to an injectable medicine, such as a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1) or insulin. Which treatment would be best? What factors influence a health-care professional's decision in choosing an injectable option? What factors influence the patient's acceptance of that decision?

Understanding perspectives of both the patient and healthcare professional: How can health-care providers gain a better understanding of the patient's journey? What are the key questions they and the patient can ask each other? Can real-world perspectives increase understanding of why some patients accept transition from orals to injectables to insulin, while others are less enthusiastic?

Diabetes remains one of society's most prevalent diseases. More than 387 million people worldwide have type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most common, accounting for an estimated 90 to 95 per cent of all diabetes cases. Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body either does not properly produce, or use, the hormone insulin.