What’s happened 

New findings published by Ipsos indicate that public awareness of the broader health risks connected with type 2 diabetes remains relatively low. According to the research, only 49% of people in England are aware of the increased risk of heart disease linked to type 2 diabetes, while awareness of kidney disease risk is lower still. 

The research forms part of wider rolling polling on public understanding of long-term conditions and their associated complications, highlighting gaps in knowledge beyond blood sugar management alone.  

Why this matters to members 

Type 2 diabetes is closely associated with a range of long-term health complications, many of which have implications for lower limb health, mobility and ongoing foot care. Limited public awareness of these wider risks may influence how people understand their condition, engage with healthcare services and respond to advice from professionals. 

For foot and lower limb health professionals, these findings provide context for patient conversations and may help to explain the varying levels of understanding or concern among people living with diabetes. 

What to be aware of 

The findings reflect public awareness rather than clinical outcomes and do not assess individual understanding or behaviour. They nonetheless suggest that broader health risks associated with type 2 diabetes may not be widely recognised outside clinical settings.  

Further information on diabetes-related health risks is available through national guidance and patient information resources.  

Links and references

The full Ipsos research summary