Attitudes of internal medicine physicians toward type 2 diabetes

Background. This study was designed to identify differences among internists in their attitudes about diabetes and how those attitudes influence practice behavior. Methods. A cross-sectional study of 55 internists in an academic medical center was done using the Diabetes Attitude Scale (DAS-3), a valid and reliable measure of attitudes toward diabetes. Results. Most respondents were white (89%), male (65%), and ≤40 years old (85%). On the need for special training, internists were significantly different from the standardized norm for the DAS-3. Similar differences were observed on the seriousness of type 2 diabetes, the value attached to "tight control," and patient autonomy. Differences by age, sex, and level of training were not significant. Conclusion. Regardless of age, sex, or level of training, internal medicine physicians have negative attitudes toward type 2 diabetes that require future educational interventions.