Knowledge and diabetes self-management.

This paper discusses the role of knowledge in the self-management of diabetes mellitus and addresses limitations in the measurement of knowledge in studies which have been undertaken. In addition, the findings of a recent investigation related to knowledge of diabetes in young adults with the condition are reported. The results showed high levels of knowledge and glycosylated haemoglobin values which were acceptable when length of time with diabetes was considered. However, no relationship between knowledge and level of glycaemic control was demonstrated. In the light of recent research confirming the need for tighter metabolic control, the implications of these findings in relation to future research and the education of health care professionals are considered. Although this paper related to diabetes mellitus many of the issues raised are equally applicable to the wider forum of chronic illness management.