Diabetes mellitus: attitudes, knowledge and glycaemic control in a cross-sectional population.
A questionnaire to households in Oxfordshire identified 431 diabetic patients living in the area and 272 of them completed a questionnaire about their attitudes to and knowledge of diabetes, and were subsequently interviewed. Most did not regard diabetes as a serious disease and had little knowledge of possible complications. Patients found dietary compliance the most difficult part of their treatment. Among non-insulin treated patients there was a significant association between difficulty with diet and body mass index and glycosylated haemoglobin values. The results suggest that there is a need for more effective advice on diet and for better education of patients about the nature of diabetes and its complications.
Thompson
A V
AV
Neil
H A
HA
Thorogood
M
M
Fowler
G H
GH
Mann
J I
JI
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic