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Survey reveals gaps in understanding of CVD risks for patients with type 2 diabetes

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ADA 71st Scientific Sessions

SAN DIEGO — Nearly all US primary care physicians who participated in a recent survey acknowledged cardiovascular disease and stroke are the No. 1 causes of mortality and morbidity among patients with type 2 diabetes. However, more than one-third of these physicians underestimated the number of patients who die from cardiovascular disease.

The Cardiovascular Disease and Type 2 Diabetes Patients study, sponsored by Merck, was conducted online in the United States by Harris Interactive between Feb. 28, 2011, and March 25, 2011. The respondents included 664 adults aged 40 years and older with type 2 diabetes and 200 US-based PCPs.

The study also revealed that, while people with diabetes are two to four times more likely to have CVD vs. people without diabetes, only one out of five patients (21%) listed myocardial infarction or heart failure as their biggest worry regarding diabetes complications. Even fewer patients (7%) listed stroke.

“This survey reveals the need for increased education about the importance of managing CVD risks for people with type 2 diabetes,” George Grunberger, MD, chairman of the Grunberger Diabetes Institute in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. and clinical professor of internal medicine and molecular medicine and genetics at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, said in a press release issued by Merck.

Cholesterol-lowering treatments are recommended as an additive therapy to lifestyle intervention for many patients with type 2 diabetes. However, in this study, nearly half of the physicians surveyed (46%) believe that standards of medical care for managing CV risks in people with type 2 diabetes are not followed due to a lack of awareness. Patient responses also indicated that, while 75% have been advised by their physician to take a cholesterol-lowering medication, more than one-third (34%) are currently not taking medication to lower their cholesterol. A lack of understanding about the importance of cholesterol treatment for patients with diabetes, money concerns and medication burden were cited as barriers for patients not taking cholesterol-lowering treatments. Moreover, nearly half (48%) of the patients surveyed expressed concern about taking too many prescription medications, and 62% believe it is important to reduce the number of prescriptions they are taking.

“More communication between patients and physicians about the CVD risks associated with diabetes is essential so that physicians can develop an individualized treatment plan that is right for their patients,” Grunberger said in the release.

Disclosure: This survey was sponsored by Merck.

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