Table 4 Modification of the questionnaire

Respondents did not distinguish between the general practitioner, internist and diabetologist.

Additional instructions introduced

Respondents did not distinguish between specialists working in the ambulatory sector and in the hospital.

Wording changed

Respondents did not distinguish between a psychiatrist, a psychotherapist, and a psychologist.

Explanations added

Respondents did not distinguish between emergency care and ambulatory healthcare services provided in hospital.

Wording changed

Respondents mentioned overnight hospital stays in response to the question asking about emergency care visits.

Wording changed

Respondents found the question with regard to changes in diabetes-specific therapy (medication, insulin) in the previous 6 months unclear or difficult.

Two separate questions referring to medication and insulin formulated

Question about out-of-pocket expenditure on medication was not understood in a consistent way.

Two separate questions referring to the prescription medication and over-the-counter medication formulated