Aventis Releases New Delhi SITE Study Results

Aventis Pharma said that SITE is the first cross-sectional study to assess the prevalence of diagnosed and undiagnosed cases of diabetes and hypertension amongst nearly 20,000 patients visiting general practitioners and consultant physicians across major cities all over India. The SITE study has been commissioned by the company in order to quantify and increase awareness of diabetes and hypertension becoming twin epidemics in India.

Aventis Pharma claimed that SITE is a national, multi-centric, non randomised, observational study with the aim of collecting information on the prevalence of diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes and hypertension cases in out-patient clinics in major Indian cities and to understand the extent of associated risk factors among these patients.

Reportedly, the key findings of the SITE study among those surveyed in New Delhi show that 21% suffer from both diabetes and hypertension. Of the diabetic population already aware of their condition, almost two-of-every-three (62%) had ‘uncontrolled’ diabetes (Hba1c levels > 7%) and of the hypertensive population three-out-of-four were uncontrolled. Almost half the population tested in the New Delhi region has uncontrolled levels of lipids (dyslipidemia) as compared to about one-fifth of the Maharashtra population.

Dr Ambrish Mithal said: “The comprehensive data on diabetes and hypertension collected for SITE New Delhi shows that 62% of the diabetic population were inadequately controlled inspite of treatment. What was even more alarming was that 27% of the diabetic patients screened, had kidney complications. In addition, we noticed that 65% of the diabetic patients were also hypertensive and dyslipidemia at 55% was equally high amongst both the diabetic and hypertensive populations.

“The SITE data is important because we now know that there are many cases of undiagnosed and uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension. Clearly there is a strong need for early screening of these diseases.”

Dr Upendra Kaul said: “The SITE New Delhi data reveals that 24% of the screened population had no idea that they had hypertension. Furthermore, almost half the hypertensive population also had uncontrolled cholesterol levels.

“As physicians, it is important that we screen patients for risk factors to ensure that we diagnose the twin epidemics of diabetes and hypertension at an early stage. Since SITE is being conducted at the general practitioners’ and consultant physicians level, it is expected to help us to identify the missing treatment modalities at the first point of contact for a patient and ensure timely treatment for better management of diabetes and hypertension.”

Dr Muruga Vadivale, senior director of medical and regulatory affairs at sanofi-aventis India, said: “With diabetes affecting increasing number of patients in India, it poses an enormous health and economic issue for the country. The sanofi-aventis SITE study is expected to provide medical professionals valuable insights on the twin epidemics.

“We also want to create realisation amongst them and patients about the critical need to screen for these diseases at the earliest given that better disease management is possible if patients know of their condition and change their lifestyle accordingly.”