Low Awareness of Diabetes as a CVD Risk Factor in Middle-High Income Countries

What is it about?

A survey conducted by the American Heart Association found that 2/3 of adults in 50 high and middle-income countries did not recognize diabetes as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The online survey sampled 48,988 respondents and found that awareness of diabetes as a CVD risk factor varied by age, income, and geographic region, with women and high-income countries having higher awareness. The study highlights the need for public health campaigns to raise awareness of diabetes as a CVD risk factor and to promote primary prevention measures.

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Why is it important?

This research is important because it highlights the lack of awareness among adults worldwide about diabetes as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recognizing the link between diabetes and CVD is crucial for individual and systemic investments in primary prevention, as the global burden of diabetes is projected to increase, leading to a corresponding increase in the global CVD burden. Key Takeaways: 1. Two-thirds of adults in surveyed countries did not recognize diabetes as a major CVD risk factor. 2. Awareness of diabetes as a CVD risk factor varied by sex, age, country, geographic region, and country-level economic development. 3. Low awareness among working-age adults is a particular cause for concern, as cardiovascular risk is rising rapidly in this group, and they can benefit significantly from preventive efforts. 4. The study is the first to characterize awareness of the link between diabetes and CVD on an international scale. 5. Future surveys should work with online and in-person survey vendors and partner with in-country stakeholders to generate representative results in low-income countries. 6. Addressing the knowledge gap requires a complex multifaceted strategy that includes public health campaigns, patient outreach, and provider engagement, tailored by country and age group.