New Survey Reveals Gap in Understanding of the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease for People with Type 2 Diabetes

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J., June 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- New data revealed that nearly 100 percent (99%) of 200 U.S. primary care physicians surveyed agree that heart disease and stroke are the number one cause of death and disability among type 2 diabetes patients; however, almost 40 percent (36%) of these physicians underestimate the number of patients who die from cardiovascular disease.  Furthermore, while people with diabetes are two to four times more likely to have heart disease than people without diabetes, the survey, conducted by Harris Interactive and supported by Merck, found only one out of five (21%) patients (n=664) listed heart attack or heart failure as their biggest worry regarding diabetes complications, and even fewer patients (7%) listed stroke.

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"This survey reveals the need for increased education about the importance of managing cardiovascular disease risks for people with type 2 diabetes, including blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels," says George Grunberger, MD, FACP, FACE, chairman of the Grunberger Diabetes Institute in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. and clinical professor of Internal Medicine and Molecular Medicine and Genetics at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit.  "For people with diabetes, persistent levels of high blood sugar, high blood pressure and high cholesterol can lead to increased plaque buildup inside arteries, putting them at higher risk for heart disease."

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) Medical Guidelines for Clinical Practice recommend certain cholesterol-lowering treatments should be added to lifestyle therapy for appropriate patients with type 2 diabetes.  However, these recommendations may not be followed by all physicians.  In fact, nearly half (46%) of physicians surveyed believe the ADA Standards of Medical Care for managing cardiovascular risks in people with type 2 diabetes are not followed due to lack of awareness.

Early and effective management of cardiovascular risk factors, such as glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol, is a critical component of an effective treatment plan.  For some people with diabetes, lifestyle changes may not be enough to manage cardiovascular risk factors, and medication is necessary.  The majority (75%) of patients surveyed have been advised by their physician, at some point during diabetes management, to take a cholesterol- lowering medication; however, more than one-third (34%) currently are not taking medication for their cholesterol.  The majority of physicians surveyed believe barriers for patients staying on their cholesterol-lowering treatments as prescribed include: they don't understand the importance of cholesterol treatment for people with type 2 diabetes (70%), they want to save money by cutting back on medications (72%), or they have too many pills to take (72%).

Many patients with type 2 diabetes take multiple medications to control their blood pressure and cholesterol, in addition to controlling their blood sugar.  Nearly half (48%) of the patients surveyed expressed concern that they take too many prescription medications, and of those who believe they take too many, 62 percent believe it is important to reduce the number of prescription medications they are taking.  

"For me as a physician, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease is a top priority when treating my patients with type 2 diabetes," says Dr. Grunberger.  "More communication between patients and physicians about the cardiovascular disease risks associated with diabetes is essential, so that physicians can develop an individualized treatment plan that is right for their patients."

About Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that's made by your body or comes from your diet.  Low-density lipoprotein particles, or LDL, carry most of the cholesterol in the blood.  LDL cholesterol is often called "bad cholesterol."  Over time, unhealthy levels of LDL can cause cholesterol build up in the arteries forming plaque, which can reduce blood flow.  Plaque can break open, causing clots in the arteries and further blocking blood flow, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

About Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes

Nearly 26 million people in the U.S. have diabetes.  Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among people with type 2 diabetes, and approximately two out of three people with diabetes die of complications, such as heart attack or stroke.  People with type 2 diabetes can lower their risk for heart disease and stroke by managing their blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Cardiovascular complications pose an enormous economic burden on the healthcare system in the U.S.  In fact, cardiovascular disease and stroke accounted for 17 percent of the total health expenditures in 2010.  The total cost and the indirect mortality cost estimates for cardiovascular disease are higher than for any other major disease group – heart disease and stroke accounted for $316.4 billion and $73.7 billion, respectively.

Survey Design

This Cardiovascular Disease and Type 2 Diabetes Patients study was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of Merck between February 28 – March 25, 2011 among 664 adults age 40+ diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and 200 U.S. based primary care physicians.  No estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated; a full methodology is available.

About Harris Interactive

Harris Interactive is one of the world's leading custom market research firms, leveraging research, technology, and business acumen to transform relevant insight into actionable foresight.  Known widely for the Harris Poll and for pioneering innovative research methodologies, Harris offers expertise in a wide range of industries including healthcare, technology, public affairs, energy, telecommunications, financial services, insurance, media, retail, restaurant and consumer package goods.  Serving clients in over 215 countries and territories through our North American, European, and Asian offices and a network of independent market research firms, Harris specializes in delivering research solutions that help us – and our clients – stay ahead of what's next.  For more information, please visit www.harrisinteractive.com.

About Merck

Today's Merck is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well.  Merck is known as MSD outside the United States and Canada.  Through our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and consumer care and animal health products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions.  We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to healthcare through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. For more information, visit www.merck.com.

SOURCE Merck