How the investigation unfolded

In 2019–2020, 13,000 people with diabetes were contacted to participate in the Entred 3 study. The survey of people with diabetes and the physicians managing their diabetes was conducted in several stages:

  • an initial contact with the selected participants;

  • a survey of people with diabetes in mainland France and the French overseas departments;

  • a survey of the doctors treating these people with diabetes.

Contacting Selected People with Diabetes

A letter, an information brochure, a reply card, and a pre-stamped envelope were sent to each person selected by the Health Insurance Fund and the Social Security Fund for the Self-Employed. These documents described the survey’s objectives and how it would be conducted. The procedures for declining to participate in the survey were also outlined in these documents.

To participate, the individual could:

  • log in online and access a secure platform to complete the questionnaire;

Or, if they preferred:

  • return a reply card in the pre-stamped envelope with their phone number and the times when they could be reached.

In mainland France, there are two ways to participate:

1 - Complete the online questionnaire by logging in using the password and activation code provided in the informational letter;

2 - Answer a short questionnaire over the phone, then complete a more detailed paper questionnaire sent by mail.

In the French overseas departments, there are two ways to participate:

1 - Complete the questionnaire online by logging in using the password and activation code provided in the informational email;

2 - Complete a questionnaire in person with a survey administrator

Doctors of the selected people with diabetes

If the selected person with diabetes has provided the contact information for their treating physician (primary care physician or specialist), there are two ways to participate:

1 - Complete the questionnaire online by logging into the platform using the password and activation key provided in the informational letter.

2 - Complete a detailed questionnaire sent by mail.