People with type 2 diabetes underestimate their heart disease risk, according to results from a worldwide survey.
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) presented the findings of the ‘Taking Diabetes to Heart’ survey to help people with type 2 diabetes understand their risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and improve their health.
CVD is the leading cause of disability and death among people with type 2 diabetes, but it can be prevented. Eating healthily, such as through a low carb lifestyle and avoiding processed food, as well as getting regular exercise, can delay or even prevent cardiovascular complications from developing.
The global type 2 diabetes survey, developed in partnership with Novo Nordisk, uncovered that one in three respondents considered themselves to be at low risk of CVD, and one in six had never discussed their CVD risk with a doctor.
“The interim results of Taking Diabetes to Heart reiterate the importance of raising awareness of the association between type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease to promote prevention, timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment to help reduce the current burden that the two conditions represent,” said Dr Shaukat Sadikot, outgoing IDF President.
“With the world facing an increase in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes, better understanding the link between these conditions is needed more than ever.”
The survey will run until March 2018 and is open to all people with type 2 diabetes. So far 943 responses have been collected from 32 countries. The IDF’s intention is to gather data and insights on gaps in education regarding CVD risk behaviour among people with type 2 diabetes.
“Too few individuals with diabetes are being informed by healthcare professionals of their cardiovascular risk and the impact that risk may have on their longevity and quality of life,” said Alan Moses, senior vice president and chief medical officer of Novo Nordisk.
Editor’s note: To learn more about how eating a low carb lifestyle can improve your health and reduce the risk of complications in later life, visit our award-winning Low Carb Program.
