Survey Reveals Lifestyle Habits of Diabetes Patients

Survey Reveals Lifestyle Habits of Diabetes Patients: CVS pharmacy announced results of a survey examining various aspects of disease management and lifestyle for patients with diabetes. Of 3,242 respondents with diabetes, 32% reported they have been less vigilant about daily glucose testing due to cost, and as many as 24% of respondents said that cost has led them to be less conscientious about maintaining a proper diet. Younger diabetes patients between the ages of 18 and 34 years cited significantly higher neglect of daily glucose testing (42%), proper diet (40%) and medication (29%) due to cost than older age groups. Challenges to maintaining a daily testing regimen also were cited more often by African-American (37%) and Latino (36%) respondents than by Caucasian respondents (30%). The survey revealed positive news about glucose monitoring with an A1c test. As many as 54% of respondents had an A1c test every three months, and 33% received an A1c test every six months. Among the 3,117 survey respondents who received an A1c test, 62% reported their most recently tested A1c level was within the range advised by their doctor. Published online Nov.2010