Survey marks Diabetes Awareness Week

New survey findings reveal that three quarters of people (76%) with diabetes feel misunderstood, and only 20% of the general public surveyed say they understand diabetes.

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) manufacturer Dexcom conducted the survey for a new campaign called ‘I Wish You Knew’ for Diabetes Awareness Week (10-16 June)

Dexcom surveyed 1,001 people living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and 1,005 members of the general public to uncover general understanding of the condition.

People with diabetes said they wished others knew about the daily challenges of managing diabetes. Specifically:

• 54% of those surveyed wished others knew the physical impact of feeling unwell when their blood sugar is low or high
• 50% of those surveyed wished others knew the mental health impact of feeling unwell when your blood sugar is low or high
• 33% wished others knew about the impact of diabetes on social activities and relationships
• 42% of those surveyed said that when people ask about their diabetes, it rarely/never feels like it’s coming from a place of compassion.

People with diabetes face common misconceptions daily. For instance,

• 38% of those surveyed said people have the misconception that ‘only overweight people get type 2 diabetes’
• 35% of those surveyed said people have a lack of awareness about the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes

In the survey of members of the general public,

• Only 25% believe diabetes is difficult to manage, and
• 39% were unaware of the signs of undiagnosed diabetes.

The research was conducted by Censuswide with 1,001 respondents living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and 1005 UK Respondents (Nat Rep) between 3 May 2024 and 10 May 2024.