VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Dec. 11, 2012) - During the holidays, many struggle with making healthy diet choices. And according to recent data by healthcare and pharmaceutical marketing research firm MD Analytics, even young diabetics that use diet as a part of disease management, can regularly struggle with diet.
MD Analytics, examined patients across Canada with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes to examine the correlation between eating habits and age. They discovered that younger diabetics are significantly less likely than their older counterparts to routinely eat breakfast. Furthermore, data revealed that when they did eat, their food choices were less healthy, including a high intake of complex carbs, compared to a balance of vegetables, protein and dairy, which is recommended as a healthy diet by the Canadian Diabetes Association.
When respondents were asked the number of times in the past week they ate breakfast when they woke up, a staggering 46% of diabetics between the ages of 18-34 identified themselves as irregular breakfast consumers. On the other hand, diabetics aged 45-64 and 65+ were 65% and 84% (respectively) regular breakfast takers.
Tyler Hassman, Co-Founder and CEO of MD Analytics stated, "The results of this particular portion of the study are indicative of a younger generation on the go - likely full-time young professionals or college-students, who are often balancing a demanding schedule and feel strapped for time. So it's not completely surprising to see these people reporting their breakfast intake as inconsistent and with meal choices that aren't as healthy. He adds, "It appears more can be done around educating young diabetes patients on the importance of their diet and perhaps providing them with meal suggestions or tips to quickly prepare healthy meals."
For healthcare providers and industry stakeholders, this uncovers the greater need to educate younger patients in particular, and provide them with the tools and knowledge to better understand how diet can affect the quality and longevity of life.
To learn more about MD Analytics' study - Exploring the Patient Journey and Assessing Quality of Life Among Persons with Diabetes, visit the MD Analytics website.
About MD Analytics
MD Analytics provides industry leading healthcare and pharmaceutical marketing research solutions. Backed by the largest online panel of healthcare professionals and an unwavering customer focus, MD Analytics' highly specialized team of marketing research professionals come together to deliver rich, actionable insights informing strategic decisions affecting pharmaceutical marketing and healthcare delivery. To learn more, visit mdanalytics.com.