Half of Type 1 Diabetics Never Told About Heart Risk, Study Finds
An Australian survey reveals a critical gap in cardiovascular care: about 50% of type 1 diabetes patients report their doctors haven't discussed heart disease risk, while physicians cite time constraints and prioritize blood sugar over cholesterol management. The disconnect threatens patient outcomes and suggests systemic barriers to preventive care that health systems and insurers need to address.
Originaltitel: Enhancing nationwide awareness of cholesterol treatment in type 1 diabetes (ENACT-T1D): an Australian multi-centre survey of patients and clinicians
<p>Introduction: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), yet many patients do not attain recommended lipid targets. Aims: We aimed to identify patient and clinician factors affecting lipid management. Methods: Anonymous online surveys were developed to assess perspectives from adults with T1D and prescribing doctors. Participants were recruited from three Australian centres. Patients were asked about their understanding of CVD risk, cholesterol and cholesterol-lowering medications. Doctors were surveyed on CVD risk assessment and lipid management. Results: Among 547 patients, similar to 1 in 2 reported their doctor had not discussed CVD risk, they preferred lifestyle changes over medications and viewed glucose as more important than cholesterol for CVD risk reduction. Whilst 1 in 2 statin-naive patients would take statins if recommended, similar to 1 in 6 expressed concerns about side effects. All 41 clinicians believed that CVD risk should be routinely assessed; however, similar to 1 in 3 often had inadequate time to discuss dyslipidaemia and prioritised glycaemia before considering statins. Doctors identified adherence, concerns about side effects, negative beliefs/attitudes about statins and future pregnancy as barriers to lipid management. Conclusion: The identified patient- and clinician-related factors should be addressed in future studies and in clinics to optimise lipid management in T1D.</p>