Survey Reveals Honolulu Residents Perceive Financial Challenges as Main Barrier in Properly Managing Their Type 2 Diabetes

Cost of fresh food and diabetes treatments prevents Honolulu residents from implementing healthy habits into their daily lives

HONOLULU, March 25 /PRNewswire/ — Taking Control of Your Diabetes (TCOYD) announced findings today from a recent survey conducted by national research firm Yankelovich that found that although Honolulu residents with type 2 diabetes appear to be more educated about diabetes management than the majority of their peers nationally, most have not been successful in translating their knowledge of diabetes management into actionable steps primarily because of financial restraints, thus putting their health at risk.

The survey findings demonstrate an urgent need for continued diabetes education through community resources. In fact, TCOYD will be holding a diabetes education conference on April 4, 2009, at the Hawaii Convention Center that offers practical, hands-on advice and lifestyle recommendations, as well as educational workshops and resources, to empower residents to take an active role in proper diabetes management.

Survey findings reveal that Honolulu residents lead many of their national counterparts in their level of education of type 2 diabetes management. Seventy percent of residents understand that excess body weight has a negative impact on their diabetes, and almost three in four have met with a diabetes educator or dietitian to get information on managing the disease.

Despite this knowledge, many residents struggle with taking the next step and implementing healthy eating and exercise habits into their daily lives, primarily because of financial constraints. The survey shows that:

• The cost of fresh produce and gym memberships were often cited as barriers to better weight and diabetes management:
  • Nearly half report that the cost of fresh produce is a barrier to better managing their weight
  • More than one in three refer to the cost of gyms in the area as a barrier to better weight management
• More importantly, some residents cited financial reasons as barriers to being able to maintain their recommended diabetes treatment regimen.
  • Almost one in five residents cited the need to give up other expenses in order to continue paying for the cost of diabetes management
  • More than one in 10 admit to limiting supplies, skipping doctors visits and taking medications less often to reduce costs associated with management of their diabetes

“These survey findings highlight a complex issue for local residents with type 2 diabetes and the physicians that treat them,” said Dr. Laurie Tom, co-director of the upcoming Honolulu TCOYD conference, endocrinologist, assistant clinical professor of Medicine at the University of Hawaii and president of the American Diabetes Association Hawaii Leadership Board. “The goal of the upcoming conference is to not only inform patients of how to live healthier lives with diabetes, but to also inspire them to take action and address the psychological component of dealing with chronic disease management.”

The annual TCOYD conference and health fair will take place on April 4, 2009, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hawaii Convention Center and will feature national and local medical experts in diabetes care discussing the latest developments in the treatment of diabetes, the complications of the disease, psychological barriers to controlling diabetes and nutritional issues. In addition to extensive educational offerings, the conference also features hands-on physical activities like “Tai Chi” and workshops such as “5-star Meals on a Budget.” Pre-registration for the conference is recommended and is $25 per person. On-site registration begins April 4, 2009, at 7:30 a.m., and costs $30. Financial assistance is available by calling TCOYD. To register or get more information, call (800) 998-2693 or visit www.tcoyd.org.

About diabetes and obesity

Both diabetes and obesity are growing national epidemics, affecting millions in the United States and worldwide. Recognizing the impact of these and other chronic diseases on the American healthcare system, the Obama administration is making them a primary health focus. These diseases also have a significant impact in Hawaii, where more than 75,000 people have diabetes and one in five is obese. With so many residents affected by these diseases, it is vital to understand the best way to manage them.

About the survey

The phone survey assessed the behaviors, opinions and attitudes of 100 people with type 2 diabetes living in Honolulu, and was conducted by Yankelovich, part of The Futures Company in February 2009. The survey was commissioned by TCOYD, a not-for-profit 501(c)3 diabetes education organization that offers programs to inform, motivate and empower participants to take control of their diabetes, and funded by Amylin Pharmaceuticals as part of the Harmony for Health initiative.

About Taking Control of Your Diabetes (TCOYD)

Founded in 1995, Taking Control of Your Diabetes(TM) (TCOYD) is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 diabetes education organization that offers programs to inform, motivate and empower participants to take control of their diabetes. Steven V. Edelman, MD, founder and director of Taking Control of Your Diabetes (TCOYD), was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 15. Edelman, an internationally recognized leader in diabetes treatment, research and education, says, “It is my conviction, that health care in this country will improve when the people living with diabetes themselves are informed and empowered to take an active role in their own disease.” Dr. Edelman practices and teaches at the VA Medical Center in San Diego, and the University of California, San Diego.

    Media Contacts:                      Michele Huie         Lauren Hamilton
                      Taking Control of Your Diabetes                 Edelman
                                       (858) 755-5683          (323) 202-1425

SOURCE Taking Control of Your Diabetes