RESUMO
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic non-communicable disease (NCD) of public health importance; as it has become a global epidemic requiring the efforts of caregivers and patients for effective management and prevention. This has necessitated the inclusion of diabetes education as an essential component of diabetes care. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge of diabetes and the impact of this knowledge on patient management; with a view to making recommendations on how to improve management and treatment outcomes. This was a prospective cross-sectional study including all previously diagnosed patients with diabetes who attended the Outpatient Endocrinology Clinic of the Department of Internal Medicine; Federal Medical Centre; Owerri; Imo state; Nigeria during the period of the study. One hundred and three (103) subjects consisting of 44 males and 59 females aged 20-80 years participated in the study. Most had had diabetes for 5 years or less; and about 40% did not know what diabetes meant. Approximately 80% knew the names of their drugs. Diet was the only lifestyle modification adopted by the respondents. They had good social disclosure attitudes. In conclusion; the patients displayed a good knowledge of the drugs used in their management; and a positive impact of their knowledge in the area of diet control and disclosure attitudes. There was still a poor knowledge of the cause of diabetes; which cannot easily be overlooked; as it is significant to the total management of the patient. A nationally adopted programme of structured education for people with diabetes is recommended