A study of knowledge, beliefs, and behavior regarding cardiovascular health in a sample of adults with diabetes mellitus

In Diabetes Mellitus the body does not produce or properly use the hormone insulin, to convert sugar, starches and other foods into the energy needed for daily life. In the United States, there are currently nearly 16 million people who have diabetes and diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death. People with diabetes are also at increased risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, the number one cause of death in the United States. Almost half of all diabetes deaths are attributed to cardiovascular disease.;This study reports results of a telephone interview survey assessing knowledge, beliefs, and behavior relating to cardiovascular health among persons with diabetes. A total of 237 out of a random sample of 300 patients drawn from a large internal medicine practice completed the 15--30 minute telephone questionnaire.;The data show deficits in knowledge and behavior. Twenty-five percent of the respondents did not know that people with diabetes are at higher risk of having a heart attack than the general population. Almost half did not know that people with diabetes are at increased risk of having a stroke (41%), high blood pressure (47%), or high blood cholesterol (49%). Respondents did not exercise (72%) and consumed a diet high in fat (52%). Although 84% thought that a lack of physical activity would increase one's chance of having a heart attack, the majority (72%) did not exercise. There were significant differences by age and gender in knowledge, beliefs, and behavior.;The incidence of diabetes is on the rise and roughly one-half of all people who have diabetes will die of a cardiovascular health condition. This is one of the only studies to specifically focus on knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors relating to cardiovascular health among a sample of people with diabetes.;Results of this survey can provide a framework on which to build effective cardiovascular health education programs for people with diabetes. Future efforts should attempt to replicate these findings, and to compare knowledge and behavior in those with and without diabetes.