More than three million Canadians are living with diabetes and yet, when it comes to managing their disease on a daily basis, more than one-in-four say they feel alone, according to a survey by Sanofi Canada and the Canadian Diabetes Association.
Nearly 80% of respondents said they do not have a full support system that includes nutritional, physical, emotional and motivational resources to help them manage their diabetes. As well, 63% said they feel that living with diabetes can be a burden and one-in-three said they wish they had someone to talk to who understands their day-to-day challenges.
“Canadians with diabetes want to be responsible and proactive when it comes to managing their disease. However, this survey reveals that they lack specific forms of needed support to manage their disease such as the opportunity to consult with experts in nutrition and physical activity as well as emotional and motivational support,” said Susi Jin, a pharmacist and certified diabetes educator.
When it comes to support and advice, almost 40% of respondents reported not having access to a diabetes expert such as a dietitian or nutritionist, and 90% said they don’t have a fitness expert to consult with on how exercise impacts their diabetes. Of those who do have these supports, 63% who have a diabetes nutrition expert and 64% who have a fitness expert said they find it beneficial.
Interestingly, more than 80% said they feel they are managing their diabetes to the best of their ability—yet 48% admitted they do not always monitor their glucose levels exactly as they should. As well, 27% said they worry about not knowing enough about diabetes to properly manage their health accordingly, and 75% said they worry about the complications that can arise from diabetes.
“This survey shows that although people with diabetes are trying to manage their disease to the best of their ability, they require education and support in ways that are meaningful and relevant to them,” said Michael Cloutier, president and CEO of the Canadian Diabetes Association.
“It is not surprising that more than one-quarter worry that they do not know enough about their disease in order to properly manage their blood glucose levels,” said Jin. “Ignoring the unmet needs of Canadians with diabetes compromises their ability to self-manage their condition and can potentially lead to a perfect storm of diabetes-related complications, including heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and depression.”