Focus on diabetes risks

‘Lack of focus’ on diabetes risks

The number of people with Type 2 diabetes is increasing, largely due to higher obesity rates

A survey of 7,500 members of the public found 70% were unaware the condition was linked to cardiovascular disease.

We are doing research on diabetes quality care. This survey helps explain some findings.

I teach on a VA inpatient service. Given my many years of ward attending, I have accumulated many sayings (oft quoted by the housestaff). One saying refers to type II diabetics as having coronary artery disease even if we have not yet diagnosed it. I assume (as does the NCEP and JNC 7) that type II diabetics deserve secondary prevention for coronary artery disease. That means that we can assume that they have disease already.

“There is no short term fix for conditions such as diabetes. Health services must take the long term view and prevent the heart attacks, strokes, blindness and kidney damage that diabetes can cause.”