Knowledge of diabetes mellitus, diets and nutrition in diabetic patients.

A multiple choice questionnaire was used to test the level of knowledge abut diabetes mellitus and diet-nutrition in diabetic patients (n = 317), non-diabetic patients (n = 70), nursing personnel (n = 53) and third-year medical students (n = 43). The results concerning diabetes were better than those for diet-nutrition. A score of greater than or equal to 80% in diet-nutrition was considered necessary for proper management of the diet at home. This level was reached by 84% of the students, 26% of the nursing personnel, 29% of the insulin-treated diabetics (n = 178, 9% of the tablet-treated diabetics (n = 124) and 4% of the non-diabetic patients. It was concluded that the piecemeal instruction system used to teach the diabetic patients is inefficient and should be replaced by a formal educational program integrated into the patient care system. The level of knowledge among nursing personnel needs to be improved.