Many people with type 2 diabetes believe they are effectively managing the condition when the truth is, they are not, a new survey has found.

According to the findings, 70% of people with type 2 diabetes believe that they are in control of the condition, however just 50% have significantly changed their diet and only 35% have improved their exercise habits.

Both of these lifestyle changes are essential if diabetes is to be managed properly.

The survey of 300 people with type 2 diabetes also revealed that almost one in four forgot to take their diabetes medication at least once in the previous month and one in 20 forget their meds at least once a week.

According to Diabetes Ireland, which carried out the survey in association with Janssen, consuming a healthy diet, exercising regularly and taking medication when prescribed are the ‘primary methods used to manage type 2 diabetes'.

"Failure of people to take their medications really questions their ability to follow the other essential behaviours of healthy eating and taking regular activity which are more difficult. This suggests that although people think they are looking after themselves, many may not be taking the proper precautions to control their diabetes," noted Diabetes Ireland health promotion manager, Dr Anna Clarke.

An estimated 225,000 people in Ireland have diabetes and some 90% of these have type 2 diabetes. This figure is expected to rise to 250,000 by 2030.

Commenting on the results, Prof Seamus Sreenan, a consultant diabetologist at Connolly Hospital in Dublin, said that while it is encouraging that so many people feel they are managing their condition properly, he is concerned that ‘some have a false sense of security'.

"Effective treatment of type 2 diabetes for most people requires a significant change in diet and exercise as well as constant monitoring. We as healthcare professionals caring for people with diabetes appreciate the difficulties involved in making significant lifestyle changes and are concerned that our advice is not always followed through," he noted.

He pointed out that people may not experience symptoms even if the condition is not well controlled, therefore ‘it is important that people with diabetes are very aware of their level of control and the measures to maintain control'.

"Some patients who think they are managing their type 2 diabetes well find that when they are assessed in our clinics their condition is not as stable as they think it is. I would encourage all people living with type 2 diabetes to agree specific targets for sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels with their healthcare professional so that they engage fully to best control their condition," Prof Sreenan said.

Meanwhile, the survey also found that when first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, 23% were scared by the news and 22% felt regret, while over 40% of people said that the most difficult part about living with the condition was worrying about possible complications, which include heart disease, kidney damage, vision loss and foot ulcers.

"A diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is a huge adjustment for people. Some adapt to the new lifestyle and medication while others find it very difficult. Getting the proper support is key. Diabetes Ireland provides education, support and motivation to people living with diabetes so we would urge those living with the condition to avail of our services," commented Diabetes Ireland CEO, Kieran O'Leary.

He added that it does not matter if you have just been diagnosed or have lived with diabetes for many years, ‘we are here to help'.

The survey was carried out to coincide with the launch of a new treatment for Irish people with type 2 diabetes. The treatment belongs to a new class of medications called inhibitors of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2), which reduces blood sugar levels, thereby helping to manage and control the condition.

Diabetes Ireland and Janssen have also created a ‘TAKE CONTROL' checklist, which can guide people through the simple steps that need to be taken when dealing with diabetes. This is available on Diabetes Ireland's website here