A new survey of people with diabetes has shown that 68 percent are not aware of their increased risk for heart disease and stroke. The survey, which was co-sponsored by the American Diabetes Association and the American College of Cardiology, found that these individuals are also unaware of ways to reduce their risks for those serious complications.

Commenting on the survey, US Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson pointed out that 65 percent of people with diabetes die from heart attacks or strokes. ADA president Dr. Christopher Saudek pointed out that good diabetes management is more than just lowering blood glucose. Diabetes patients must also know how to reduce cardiovascular risks by managing their weight, increasing physical activity, taking aspirin, lowering high blood pressure and cholesterol and quitting smoking, he said.

Three-quarters of the 2,000 people surveyed reported having risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, but they didn't relate those problems to their diabetes. More than half of those polled didn't feel at risk for a heart condition or stroke, and 60 percent didn't feel at risk for high blood pressure or cholesterol.

In another new report, modifiable cardiovascular risk factors were found to be more common among those with diabetes than those without it. Hypertension and high cholesterol were more than twice as common among people with diabetes; obesity and insufficient physical activity were also more prevalent among them. This study noted that doctors are not counseling their patients adequately to make the lifestyle changes that can reduce those risks.

Related information Diabetes Complications

Sources:

• American College of Cardiology/American Diabetes Association. Awareness of link between diabetes, heart disease and stroke critically lacking, ADA and ACC survey finds. Press release, Feb. 19, 2002.
• Egede LE, Zheng D. Modifiable cardiovascular risk factors in adults with diabetes. Archives of Internal Medicine, Feb. 25, 2002;162(4):427-433. (Abs.)