A quarter of Ontarians with diabetes aren't admitting it, study says
16.07.2008 20:01
Health
- Source: cbc.ca
 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. (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. Story Tools: E-MAIL | PRINT | Text Size: SMLXL | REPORT TYPO | SEND YOUR FEEDBACKRelatedInternal LinksNumber of Ontarians with diabetes projected to hit 1.2 million by 2010Improvement in diabetes a positive side effect of obesity surgeryHealth HeadlinesPathologists get new guidelines in wake of botched breast cancer testsThe Canadian Association of Pathologists released new guidelines for testing Wednesday, a plan that calls for pathology test results to be verified by an external, independent laboratory.Canadians spending more on out-of-pocket health care, report saysA report released today says Canadians are spending more out of their own pocket on health care than they were 25 years ago, increasing the risk for financial crisis during illness. Depression and heart disease may be linked for women: StatsCanThough depression in women is associated with a higher risk of heart disease, it's not the case with men, suggests new research from Statistics Canada. Awareness of cultural issues key in diagnosing depression: studyBeing aware of cultural differences should help doctors better diagnose depression in Chinese and other East Asian patients, researchers suggest.Ontario's watchdog investigating province's monitoring of nursing homesOntario's government watchdog is launching a full investigation into the province's monitoring of nursing homes, provincial ombudsman Andre Marin said Wednesday Health FeaturesBIRTH CONTROLThird World woesMillions need help, advocates sayIN DEPTHRed, red wineHealth pros and consHEALTHLife spanLongevity secrets from around the worldBlogSherraine SchalmI am fencer, hear me roar!HEALTH & FITNESSPeter HadzipetrosBreaking up's not that hard to doPeople who read this also read …
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