The Need for More Awareness of Diabetes Risks

Although people with diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop heart disease or have a stroke than other people, a survey has found that 68% are not aware of this increased risk. Because of this finding, the American Diabetes Association (ADA, Alexandria, VA, USA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) are encouraging people with diabetes to talk to their doctor about their risk of cardiovascular disease, which kills two out of three people with the disease.

Also, 60% of people with diabetes were not aware that they are at risk for having high blood pressure and high cholesterol, conditions that contribute to their increased risk for heart disease and stroke. A new initiative of the ADA is encouraging diabetics and their healthcare providers to work together to manage diabetes more comprehensively in order to reduce risk factors and to remind diabetics that their disease management goes beyond simply controlling blood sugar.

"People with diabetes need to know that good diabetes management is more than lowering just blood glucose,” said Eugene Barrett, M.D., Ph.D., president of the ADA. "A diabetes care plan should also address lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, quitting smoking, and taking aspirin and other medicines to reduce one's risk for heart attack and stroke.”




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