Low Awareness of Diabetes as a Major Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease in Middle- and High-Income Countries

Objective:
Understanding that diabetes is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) may help increase diabetes screening and improve prevention efforts for CVD.

Overview:
The American Heart Association conducted an online survey across 50 countries to assess public awareness of the link between diabetes and CVD. The study looked at differences in awareness by sex, age, region, and country income level.

Key Findings:

• Out of 48,988 respondents, only 32.1% recognized diabetes as a major risk factor for CVD.

• Awareness was similar between men and women, but higher among older individuals.

• People in high-income countries were more likely to be aware of the link than those in middle-income countries.

Conclusion:
Two-thirds of adults surveyed were unaware that diabetes increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. As the global burden of both conditions continues to rise, this highlights the urgent need for public health campaigns to raise awareness and support prevention worldwide.