The Basel, Switzerland-based company — one of the largest diabetes tech companies in the world — reported findings from 4,326 people. Its research, based on data from a GWI research commissioned in September 2025, explores diabetes perceptions, life with the condition and management tools. It surveyed people with diabetes aged 16 and older globally as part of a wider study among 16,310 internet users across 22 countries.
Findings, the company said, represent the scope of a growing global challenge. The survey showcases the unpredictable nature of living with diabetes and the multiple daily decisions that make management difficult.
Roche said that the majority (61%) of respondents reported less confidence in a day going as planned. Those subjects reported a significant mental burden, while this tally rose to 71% for type 1 diabetes.
“This survey brings to light the daily and long-term challenges faced by people with diabetes”, said Claire Marriott, medical affairs lead, EMEA-LATAM, Roche Diagnostics. “By better understanding the reality of people living with diabetes, we can work to ease the daily burden of diabetes management, support them in reducing their risk of long-term complications, and help them feel more in control of their lives.”
Roche itself develops tools for managing diabetes, including an AI-powered continuous glucose monitor (CGM) platform. Learn more about Roche and the rest of the diabetes space by downloading our free Diabetes Technology Special Report.
A closer look at the survey findings from Roche
Survey respondents reported that their diabetes negatively impacts a range of activities. Those include taking part in sports (57%), taking care of children and household chores (55%), traveling (55%) and work (57%). They said the conditions affects their ability to take on new professional responsibilities as well.
Sleep also proved difficult, as 55% of subjects reported that the condition negatively impacts their ability to fall asleep. As a result, 59% reported a struggle feeling rested in the morning and 71% reported often feeling tired because of diabetes.
Roche said the survey revealed interest in ways to mitigate the condition, with eight in 10 saying they would value predictive tools like CGM. Nearly half (46%) said they would feel more in control of their disease in everyday life if they could see trends before they become problems.
The company said the responses highlight the need for smarter diabetes management solutions that move beyond reporting current glucose levels. It believes that people with diabetes need insights to gain flexibility, freedom and peace of mind to feel more in control.
Roche said that 70% of respondents say they feel anxious about the future. Just one in three felt confident in how they currently manage their condition.
The company plans to share findings from this survey, along with new real-world evidence comparing predictive technology with standard CGM, at the upcoming Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes (ATTD) in Barcelona next week.
Some of the key figures from the survey
- 66% of respondents say the condition significantly affects their emotional well-being.
- This rises to 77% in type 1 diabetes.
- 61% of respondents say diabetes represents a mental burden.
- This rises to 71% in type 1 diabetes.
- 8/10 respondents say that they would value predictive tools that, for example, can predict glucose changes before they occur.
- 61% of respondents say diabetes negatively impacts their confidence that the day ahead will go as planned. T
- This rises to 70% in type 1 diabetes and 68% of those who have type 2 diabetes treated with insulin.
- Only one in three respondents feel very confident in how they currently manage their diabetes.
- 71% of respondents say they often feel tired because of their diabetes.
- 55% say d diabetes negatively impacts their ability to fall asleep.
- 54% of respondents report that diabetes negatively impacts their ability to be spontaneous with last-minute social invitations.
- 51% say it affects their ability to manage unexpected events like being stuck in traffic or in meetings that run over.
