According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 21 million Americans have diabetes and over 95 percent have type 2 diabetes. The number of people with type 2 diabetes in the U.S. has tripled in the past 30 years. Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. and is known to increase the risk for heart disease and other potentially deadly diseases.
Now a survey reports that U.S. doctors and patients are ignorant about diabetic care and diabetics need more assistance in managing diabetes. The Harris poll, commissioned by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and the American Association of Diabetes Educators, suggests that a team approach including diabetes educators effectively improves diabetes management.
The Harris poll, "Type 2 Diabetes Nationwide Survey Summary", was conducted between April 6 -14, 2006 among 784 type 2 diabetic adults and April 7-12, 2006, among 400 primary care physicians who see at least three type 2 diabetics monthly. The objective of the survey was to determine patient's and physician's understanding of diabetes treatment.
The survey reported the following:
1. 69 percent of patients report feeling knowledgeable about managing their diabetes, but 59 percent believe their condition is not well- controlled.
2. 83 percent of patients report they follow a healthy diet, but only 29 percent of physicians agree this is the case.
3. 55 percent of patients don't know their A1C level (a protein measure indicating blood sugar control).
4. Physicians inconsistently demonstrate understanding of diabetes. 78 percent of physicians report that insulin resistance is the most important contributor to type 2 diabetes. However, beta (insulin-producing) cell dysfunction may be a more important contributing factor than insulin resistance.
5. 76 percent of patients who have seen a diabetes educator report feeling knowledgeable about managing their diabetes, compared to 61 percent of patients who haven't seen a diabetes educator.
REFERENCES:
1. Type 2 Diabetes Nationwide Survey Summary, Harris Interactive, June 1, 2006:
http://www.harrisinteractive.com/news/newsletters/clientnews/2006_AADE.pdf
Posted by Elaine Gavalas on October 29, 2006 03:31 PM
