Indianapolis Residents View Economic Challenges as Significant Barrier to Properly Managing Type 2 Diabetes

Cost of diabetes treatments, local gyms and fresh food among barriers preventing Indianapolis residents from implementing healthy habits to take control of their diabetes

INDIANAPOLIS, May 12 /PRNewswire/ — Taking Control of Your Diabetes (TCOYD), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to informing and empowering people with diabetes to become actively involved in their own health care, announced findings today from a recent survey conducted by national research firm Yankelovich which found that while Indianapolis residents with type 2 diabetes receive a significant amount of education on diabetes management, several factors, including economic constraints, are restricting them from translating this knowledge into actionable steps, which can lead to serious health risks.

The survey findings demonstrate an urgent need for motivational diabetes education. In fact, TCOYD will be holding a diabetes education conference on May 30, 2009, at the Indiana Convention Center, offering 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. In addition to extensive educational offerings, the conference also features hands-on physical activities like walking groups using pedometers and instruction on how to tone using resistance bands.

Eight out of 10 Indianapolis 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 receive more information on managing the disease. Despite this knowledge many residents struggle with taking the next step in implementing healthy eating and exercise habits into their daily lives. Almost three in four see their lack of willpower as a barrier to managing their diabetes and weight, citing not eating as healthy as they should and lack of exercise. Financial constraints are also a part of the issue. The survey shows that:

• More than one in four admit to limiting supplies, skipping doctor visits and taking medications less often to reduce costs associated with diabetes management
• More than one in four Indianapolis residents cited the need to give up other expenses in order to continue paying for the cost of diabetes management
• Twenty one percent have delayed going to the doctor when sick to save money
• More than half report that the cost of fresh produce and gyms in the area are barriers to better managing their weight

“Motivational education is a powerful tool in empowering people with diabetes to better manage their disease,” said Dr. David Marrero, J.O. Ritchey Professor of Medicine at the Indiana University School of Medicine. “The TCOYD conference not only features national and local media experts discussing steps to better diabetes management, but also provides a sense of community for people who are living with diabetes, allowing them to connect with others who are facing similar issues.”

The annual TCOYD conference and health fair will take place on May 30, 2009, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Indiana 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. Pre-registration for the conference is recommended and is $25 per person. On-site registration begins May 30, 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 Indiana, where over eight percent of the population has diabetes and more than six in 10 are overweight or obese.

About the survey

The phone survey assessed the behaviors, opinions and attitudes of 100 people with type 2 diabetes living in Indianapolis, and was conducted by Yankelovich, part of The Futures Company in March 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 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