Patients with diabetes and their doctors may not agree on what are the most important aspects of the disease to treat, according to a new study from the University of Michigan Medical School.

Thirty-eight percent of doctors said that high blood pressure is the most important factor, for example, but only 18 percent of patients agreed. The study also said that patients were more likely to say that pain and depression were the most important things.

A news release said the study may shed light on why some patients manage their diabetes so poorly.

"If a patient and their doctor do not agree on which of these issues should be prioritized, it will be difficult for them to come up with an effective treatment plan together," said lead author Dr. Donna M. Zulman.

Doctors are often concerned about long-term complications. Patients, however, are more likely to focus on immediate concerns such as back pain or depression.

"Both sets of priorities are valid; however, we know from previous studies that issues like pain interfere with a person's ability to manage their diabetes," Zulman says.

On average, adults with diabetes have at least three other chronic health conditions, a news release on the study said.

The results were based on surveys of 92 doctors and their 1,200 patients.

Research said the disparities were greatest among the sickest patients.

"One possible explanation for this is that patients with poor health or competing demands may be more likely to face functional limitations, financial stress and other barriers to care," Zulman said. "For these patients, symptomatic problems might be of utmost importance because they exacerbate their existing challenges."

The findings appeared in the current issue of the Journal of General Internal Medicine.