How Diabetes Ignorance Increases Heart Risks

People who are at high risk of developing diabetes, as well as diabetics themselves, are often unaware of the health risks associated with the condition, such as heart disease and stroke, results of a UK survey suggest.

The poll, undertaken on behalf of the charity Diabetes UK, revealed that less than a third of people who were considered to be at high risk of developing diabetes realised that the condition can lead to heart disease, while only a quarter of such people believed it can increase the risk of stroke.

People at increased risk of developing diabetes include White individuals over the age of 40 years and Black people over the age of 25 years who are overweight or have a family history of the condition.

Furthermore, the survey revealed that many people who had already been diagnosed with diabetes were unaware of the health risks. Indeed, around half did not think that diabetes increases the risk of heart disease, while less than half realised that the condition can shorten life expectancy.

Diabetes UK says that the findings indicate that general ignorance of diabetes and its potential complications, especially among people at high risk of the condition, may lead to delayed diagnosis and therefore an increased risk of serious complications.

"This low level of awareness is frightening," said Douglas Smallwood, chief executive of the charity. "Diabetes is a serious condition and prevalence is increasing rapidly."

He added: "People need to know the risks and what they can do about them. Those already diagnosed with diabetes also need structured education to ensure they are able to carefully manage their condition and reduce the chances of developing complications.

"Local health services must ensure they are picking up those with the condition as early as possible and giving them the information they require to stay healthy. Without these measures in place, lives are at risk."