Report highlights the concerning low levels of CVD awareness and knowledge among people with type 2 diabetes.

Initiated by IDF in 2017, in collaboration with Novo Nordisk, the Taking Diabetes to Heart (TD2H) study set out to investigate global awareness and knowledge of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

The study, consisting of an online survey, was conducted between September 2017 and May 2018. Responses were received from 12,695 people with type 2 diabetes in over 130 countries.

The Taking Diabetes to Heart report presents the concerning low levels of CVD awareness and knowledge among people with type 2 diabetes. CVD is a major cause of death and disability in people with diabetes and all people with diabetes (an estimated 425 million worldwide) are at increased risk of developing CVD. Regardless, the research found that one in ten people with type 2 diabetes cannot identify the risk factors associated with CVD.

Two in three respondents indicated they had CVD risk factors such as high blood pressure, uncontrolled blood glucose levels and high cholesterol. However, one in four had not discussed their risk with a healthcare provider. The majority of the people surveyed recognised their need for further information on the signs and symptoms of CVD, its risk factors, self-management of diabetes and ways to avoid CVD through diet and exercise.

The new report facilitates evidence-based decision making and encourages inter-sectoral collaboration to strengthen health systems and implement cost-effective interventions. A series of recommendations are proposed from patient, health provider and government perspectives. These include increasing health promotion activities with a focus on common risk factors for CVD and diabetes, informing healthcare providers of their critical role in increasing awareness and knowledge of CVD among people with type 2 diabetes, and implementing CVD monitoring systems.

Investing in measures to detect type 2 diabetes early and ensuring that health professionals are trained to guide individuals and families to make positive changes to their lifestyle will improve diabetes management and reduce the burden of CVD and its associated risk factors.

IDF is committed to improving health outcomes for the millions currently living with diabetes and for the many more at risk.