Abbott Survey Reveals 74% of Americans Believe Chronic Diseases Like Diabetes Are Preventable, Cites Confusion and Costs as Barriers

Abbott released a survey April 9, 2026, revealing that 74% of U.S. adults believe most chronic diseases, including diabetes and heart disease, are preventable. The survey found that confusion about health care practices and high costs are major barriers preventing Americans from effectively managing their health, despite widespread awareness of disease prevention, according to Abbott officials.

Despite the widespread belief that chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease are largely preventable, only about 25% of Americans report feeling very confident in their ability to manage their health, according to the April 9, 2026, survey released by Abbott. The findings highlight a significant gap between awareness and actionable confidence, with many respondents citing confusion over health care practices and financial barriers as key obstacles to effective disease management.

Only about 25% of Americans report feeling very confident in their ability to manage their health, according to the April 9, 2026, survey released by Abbott.

The survey reveals that information overload contributes to Americans’ struggles with maintaining their health. Respondents frequently reported feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of health information and uncertain about which preventive measures to follow, officials said. Cost was also identified as a major barrier, with many Americans indicating that high expenses deter them from seeking preventive care or adopting healthier lifestyles, according to Abbott representatives.

Chronic diseases remain a significant public health challenge in the United States. Heart disease alone is responsible for nearly one million deaths annually, according to data cited by Abbott. Other common chronic conditions include hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and respiratory illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. The World Health Organization reported that noncommunicable diseases accounted for 71% of global deaths in 2016, with low- and middle-income countries bearing more than 75% of those fatalities.

Abbott officials emphasized the importance of four basic lifestyle actions—regular exercise, balanced nutrition, stress management, and adequate sleep—in reducing the risk of chronic diseases. They noted that prevention also requires proactive engagement with health care through regular screenings to detect issues early. John Stutts, Medical Director in Pediatric Nutrition at Abbott, pointed out that many individuals may have undiagnosed chronic conditions, underscoring the need for increased awareness and early intervention.

The survey also underscores the role of social determinants of health in chronic disease prevention. These factors include environmental conditions, income and education levels, and access to transportation, health care services, and nutritious food, according to Abbott’s findings. Addressing these community-level influences is critical, as they shape individual health behaviors and outcomes. Officials noted that higher education levels correlate with greater understanding and implementation of preventive health measures.

In the context of diabetes management, Abbott highlighted advances such as continuous glucose monitoring, which helps individuals understand how dietary choices affect their glucose levels. A 2022 study referenced in the survey showed that people with Type 2 diabetes who ate vegetables before carbohydrates experienced improved average glucose levels over a five-year period. Mahmood Kazemi, divisional vice president of Diabetes Care at Abbott, stated that lifestyle changes for diabetes do not need to be complicated and that informed decisions can be made by recognizing patterns in glucose trends. Food sequencing was cited as a practical, evidence-based strategy to manage diabetes risk factors.

Healthcare utilization data further illustrate the burden of chronic diseases on the medical system. In 2016, there were more than 883.7 million primary care visits in the U.S., with over 326 million estimated to be related to chronic conditions, according to records cited by Abbott. Among patients over age 65, 51% of physician visits were for chronic disease management, and over 63% had at least two comorbidities, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As the population ages, the complexity and prevalence of chronic conditions are expected to increase, placing additional demands on healthcare infrastructure.

Abbott’s survey findings contribute to a growing body of evidence that while Americans recognize the preventability of chronic diseases, significant challenges remain in translating this knowledge into effective health management. The company’s officials noted that ongoing education, community support, and accessible healthcare services are essential components in addressing these challenges and improving outcomes for individuals living with or at risk for chronic diseases.