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Awareness of diabetes complications in an Irish population

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Abstract

Background

Patients’ awareness of the increased cardiovascular risk associated with their diabetes is poorly documented.

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the awareness of diabetes complications among patients with diabetes in Ireland.

Methods

Patients attending diabetes outpatient clinics in two teaching hospitals in different regions of the country were invited to complete a questionnaire.

Results

A total of 258 (59.3% male) patients completed the questionnaire; mean age 57.8 years. On questioning, 53.5% reported cardiovascular disease as a potential complication of diabetes, with awareness rates of 61.2, 17.1, 16.3 and 12% for retinopathy, stroke, peripheral vascular disease and amputation, respectively. Disappointingly, less than half of respondents felt that improvements in diet and exercise could potentially reduce their cardiovascular risk.

Conclusions

Awareness of cardiovascular risk and knowledge of effective measures to reduce this were low in our study and an alternative means of education may need to be considered.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Old Blackrock Road, Cork, Ireland

    E. P. O’Sullivan, T. De Faoite, K. Moynihan & C. H. Walsh

  2. Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Connolly Hospital, Dublin 15, Ireland

    A. Bhargava, M. O’Callaghan, U. Buckley, H. Thabit & S. Sreenan

Authors
  1. E. P. O’Sullivan
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  2. A. Bhargava
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  3. M. O’Callaghan
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  4. U. Buckley
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  5. T. De Faoite
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  6. K. Moynihan
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  7. H. Thabit
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  8. C. H. Walsh
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  9. S. Sreenan
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to S. Sreenan.

Appendix 1: Questionnaire used

Appendix 1: Questionnaire used

Diabetic Complications Risk Assessment Questionnaire

Name:

Age:

Date of birth:

Address:

CN:

  1. 1.

    Do you know if you have type I or type II diabetes? Which one?

  2. 2.

    How long ago were you diagnosed?

  3. 3.

    Do you think having diabetes puts you at risk to other health problems?

Yes/No.

  1. 4.

    To the best of your knowledge, what are the most serious health problems caused by diabetes? Please list them below.

  2. 5.

    Does the doctor you see for your diabetes ever talk to you about the following:

figure a

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O’Sullivan, E.P., Bhargava, A., O’Callaghan, M. et al. Awareness of diabetes complications in an Irish population. Ir J Med Sci 178, 401–406 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-009-0301-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-009-0301-0

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