A quarter of Ontarians with diabetes aren’t admitting it, study says
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(AP) Many Ontarians who have been diagnosed with diabetes fail to admit they have the disease, suggesting they may not be managing their condition properly, a new study has found. Ontario Institute for Clinical Evaluative Services compared the rates of physician-diagnosed diabetes with the responses of actual patients diagnosed with the condition. It found that while there were 1,812 people who had been diagnosed with diabetes, only 75 per cent reported having the disease, leaving 25 per cent who denied having it. Male respondents, those who lived in rural areas, and those who had had the condition for a longer period of time and who had been treated by diabetes specialists were more likely to report having the disease. Those who failed to report their condition were less likely to undertake blood glucose testing and less likely to be under the care of a specialist. There were 39,278 respondents in the study. They were aged 20 and over. The researchers believe some of the erroneous self-reporting may stem from the fact doctors aren’t communicating the diagnosis effectively to their patients, such as failing to use the word “diabetes” in talking with patients. The communication breakdown can leave patients in dangerous situations. May not be aware of risks“Individuals who do not self-identify as having diabetes may not be aware of the risks to their health,” said Dr. Baiju Shah, the study’s lead investigator and senior ICES scientist, in a release. “They may also be less likely to respond to public education messages about the disease, and if they do not report having the disease to their physicians and other health care providers, diabetes may not be taken into account in treatment plans for their other health conditions.” Shah suggests patients be vocal about their need for a referral to a diabetes specialist to ensure they receive the proper care. The study was based on responses to a 2000/2001 survey covering the population of Ontario in which participants were asked: “Do you have diabetes?” The results were published in the July 7 issue of the journal BMC Health Services Research. Ontario’s Ministry of Health predicts 1.2 million people in the province will have diabetes by 2010, more than double the figure from the year 2000. More info
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Those study participants who failed to report their condition were less likely to undertake blood glucose testing and less likely to be under the care of a specialist.