An assessment of patients' knowledge of diabetes, its management and complications

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Abstract
As part of the evaluation of diabetes services in Central Manchester, 243 patients attending the traditional diabetic clinic at the Manchester Royal Infirmary were randomly selected to complete a knowledge questionnaire. One hundred and sixty patients completed questionnaires giving a response rate of 66%. The mean knowledge score in insulin‐treated patients (n=84) was significantly higher than in non insulin‐treated patients (64% vs 44%: p<0.005). Knowledge of dietary management was generally poor, and half of the patients were unaware of the link between glycaemic control and long‐term complications. It was particularly worrying that 32% of insulin‐treated subjects were unaware that they should continue to take their insulin when ill. It is concluded that overall patient education is poor and there is therefore an urgent need to plan and implement educational programmes for both insulin‐requiring and non‐insulin‐requiring patients.