Assessing the Unmet Needs among Individuals with Long Term Chronic Disease: Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a common chronic condition marked by insulin resistance and
hyperglycemia. Many patients face unmet needs, including poor glycemic control, limited access to care, financial
constraints, and inadequate social support.
Objectives: To identify the unmet needs of patients with Type 2 Diabetes.
Methods: This Cross sectional study conducted in Mayo Hospital Lahore during January to July 2024.We collected
data from 96 patients suffering from T2DM. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire: the first part
covered sociodemographic information, and the second assessed perceived and met needs for diabetes management.
Unmet needs were calculated as the difference between perceived and met needs.
Results: The study evaluated that average unmet need of diabetics was 36.8%, revealing that the most unmet need
access to a psychologist, affecting 66 individuals, while the most met need was social support from family and friends,
with 75 individuals reporting their needs met. Other areas with significant unmet needs included information about the
importance of physical activity and knowledge on how to care for feet. Conversely, needs such as continuous access to
doctors and blood sugar test instruments were among those most frequently met.
Conclusion: Our study identified unmet economic, educational, social, and access needs in type 2 diabetes self
management. Improved outcomes require coordinated healthcare–government policy reforms and continuous
education for patients and families. Future qualitative studies should further explore barriers and facilitators.