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DIABETES FACTS

PUBLIC AWARENESS ABOUT DIABETES IS LOW

In USA, when asked to rank which disease (diabetes, breast cancer, AIDS) caused the most deaths each year, not even half of respondents chose diabetes (42%).

In the US, diabetes causes more deaths a year than breast cancer and AIDS combined. Canadian data on diabetes awareness are not available.

Source:
As America Earns Failing Grade, American Diabetes Association Launches Movement to Stop Diabetes. Available at: http://www.diabetes.org/for-media/2009/america-earns-failing-adm-sd-2009.html
Accessed June 15, 2011.

In the USA, a survey found that 4% of respondents feared a shark attack, while only 5% feared getting an illness/disease. When asked specifically about diseases, 49% feared cancer, while only 3% feared diabetes.

In August, 2008, the American Diabetes Association conducted an online survey to find out what people really fear most

16% feared being in a plane crash
13% feared snake bites
5% feared being hit by lightning
4% feared a shark attack

- Only 5% feared getting an illness/disease. When asked specifically about diseases:

49% feared cancer
Only 3% cited a fear of diabetes

- Ironically, one in ten adults reports having been diagnosed with diabetes, while fewer (6%) have been diagnosed with cancer.

- Further, cancer and diabetes have similar rates of expected new cases each year, suggesting that levels of fear around diabetes are low.

Source:
New American Diabetes Association Survey Sheds Light on the Need to Care About Diabetes and Its Serious Complications. Available at: http://forecast.diabetes.org/news/new-american-diabetes-association-survey-sheds-light-need-care-about-diabetes-and-its-serious-c
Accessed June 15, 2011.

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Diabetes:
Did You Know…?

These facts paint a picture of the impact of diabetes on our health, healthcare system and economy.