Misconceptions about diabetes and its management among low-income minorities with diabetes

Devin M. Mann, Howard Leventhal, Diego Ponieman, Ethan A. Halm

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

48 Scopus citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE - To determine diabetic patients' knowledge and beliefs about the disease and medications that could hinder optimal disease management. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS - A cross-sectional survey of 151 type 2 diabetic patients characterizing diabetes knowledge and beliefs about the disease and medications was conducted. RESULTS - Mean diabetes duration was 13 years. Over half of the patients (56%) believed that normal glucose is≤200 mg/dl, 54% reported being able to feel when blood glucose levels are high, 36% thought that they will not always have diabetes, 29% thought that their doctor will cure them of diabetes, one in four (23%) said there is no need to take diabetes medications when glucose levels are normal, and 12% believed they have diabetes only when glucose levels are high. CONCLUSIONS - Diabetes knowledge and beliefs inconsistent with a chronic disease model of diabetes were prevalent in this sample. Suboptimal knowledge and beliefs are potentially modifiable and are logical targets for educational interventions to improve diabetes self-management.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)591-593
Number of pages3
JournalDiabetes care
Volume32
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2009

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Internal Medicine
  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Advanced and Specialized Nursing

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