RESUMEN
Introduction@#With the increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in the Philippines, Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) remains to play a vital role in diabetes care. It is important in optimizing metabolic control, preventing and managing complications, and maximizing quality of life in a cost-effective manner. This study aimed to determine the effect of diabetes education on the knowledge and attitudes of type 2 DM patients. It also aimed to determine the topics that needed more emphasis during education. @*Methods@#A prospective study, which included 75 patients: 38 patients in the education group and 37 patients in the noneducation group, was conducted. A single session diabetes education was given to the patients in the education group. Baseline and follow-up knowledge and attitude scores by using the modified, validated, Filipino versions of American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) Knowledge Evaluation Form and Diabetes Attitude Scale–3 (DAS–3), respectively, were compared between the education and non-education groups. The changes in weight and body mass index (BMI) for both groups were also compared.@*Results@#Results showed that on follow-up, there was a significant increase in the mean percentage scores for knowledge in the education group. There was no significant increase in mean frequency of correct answers for questions on precautions prior to exercise, monitoring, nutrition and medication adjustment during ill days. Questions on psychosocial impact, and value of tight glucose control showed significant improvement in the education group, while one question on seriousness of diabetes did not improve significantly.@*Conclusion@#Diabetes education generally improved the knowledge and attitudes of patients towards their disease.