Proper disease education may not lead to healthier lifestyles among patients with type 2 diabetes
Due to the serious complications that can occur if individuals with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes do not practice proper diabetes management, many physicians ensure that their patients have all of the information they need to live a healthy lifestyle.
Some diabetics are referred to a dietitian who can help them create a diabetic diet plan, as well as healthcare providers who specialize in eye and foot care, since these areas are often affected by diabetes.
However, just because patients have all of the resources they need to live a healthy lifestyle may not necessarily mean that they take action to initiate these changes.
A recent article published by Medical News Today cited a study that was presented at the 71st Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA), which found that many individuals with type 2 diabetes who know the potential consequences of obesity and sedentary lifestyles do not alter their everyday activities accordingly.
The study's results showed that while 87 percent of the subjects who had type 2 diabetes were aware that obesity can contribute to or worsen the disease, 70 percent reported that they tried to lose weight within the past year, but only 34 percent had maintained their results for more than six months.
Furthermore, the findings indicated that 63 percent of these individuals received exercise advice from their primary healthcare provider within the previous year, but a total of 87 percent said they had not engaged in physical activity within the past seven days.
In addition, nearly 20 percent of the participants responded that they would rather take diabetes medications to manage their condition than make healthy lifestyle changes, the news provider reported.
"The results contradict the widely held notion that diabetics who are well informed about their disease and have good access to healthcare are likely to favorably alter their lifestyles per their physicians' recommendations," said James Gavin III, MD, quoted by the news source.
The ADA recommends that individuals with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes who are physically inactive start off by exercising in 10-minute spurts each day, eventually working their way up to an optimal 45 minutes daily.
Some diabetics are referred to a dietitian who can help them create a diabetic diet plan, as well as healthcare providers who specialize in eye and foot care, since these areas are often affected by diabetes.
However, just because patients have all of the resources they need to live a healthy lifestyle may not necessarily mean that they take action to initiate these changes.
A recent article published by Medical News Today cited a study that was presented at the 71st Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA), which found that many individuals with type 2 diabetes who know the potential consequences of obesity and sedentary lifestyles do not alter their everyday activities accordingly.
The study's results showed that while 87 percent of the subjects who had type 2 diabetes were aware that obesity can contribute to or worsen the disease, 70 percent reported that they tried to lose weight within the past year, but only 34 percent had maintained their results for more than six months.
Furthermore, the findings indicated that 63 percent of these individuals received exercise advice from their primary healthcare provider within the previous year, but a total of 87 percent said they had not engaged in physical activity within the past seven days.
In addition, nearly 20 percent of the participants responded that they would rather take diabetes medications to manage their condition than make healthy lifestyle changes, the news provider reported.
"The results contradict the widely held notion that diabetics who are well informed about their disease and have good access to healthcare are likely to favorably alter their lifestyles per their physicians' recommendations," said James Gavin III, MD, quoted by the news source.
The ADA recommends that individuals with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes who are physically inactive start off by exercising in 10-minute spurts each day, eventually working their way up to an optimal 45 minutes daily.
First published on: July 7, 2011
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