The main types of diabetes are classified as type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes, which accounts for 5% to 10% of all diabetes patients, results from a cellular-mediated autoimmune destruction of the ß-cells of the pancreas, the only cells in the body that make the hormone insulin, which regulates blood glucose.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and accounts for 90% to 95% of all diabetes cases. This form encompasses individuals who have insulin resistance and usually have relative rather than absolute insulin deficiency. In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin.

According to the survey, 42.9% of respondents have greater than 35,000 covered lives that are affected by diabetes.

In terms of compliance, 73.8% of the survey panelists said that compliance is very important. When asked about gauging the compliance of their covered lives affected by diabetes, 59.5% said that they utilize pharmacy benefit manager data. A value-based insurance design is in place for antidiabetic agents in 42.9% of companies represented by our survey panel.

When asked if their plan had preferred (formulary) therapeutic classes of drugs for diabetes, 90.5% of the respondents answered “yes.” Furthermore, 52.4% of respondents said that some of their antidiabetic agents require prior authorization.

When asked to elaborate on which agents are prior authorized, the following treatments were included in their responses: Byetta, Smylin, Actos, Victoza, Januvia, Onglyza, Apidra, injectables other than insulin, and oral agents.

In terms of determining the formulary status for different diabetes treatments, 52.4% said that cost of treatment is very important, 57.1% said that ease of use is important, 50% said that proactive treatment is important, and 47.6% said that individualized treatment is important.