INTRODUCTION. Education of diabetic patients is a key component of diabetes management which significantly influences the risk of acute and longterm diabetic complications. The aim of the study was to determine the patients’ knowledge of diabetes, to develop a health education plan and to establish what methods and forms of education would be more suitable for patients.
MATERIAL AND METHODS. The study included 100 type 2 diabetic patients of Municipal Diabetes Center of Bialystok. Authors used an anonymous questionnaire as an assessment tool.
RESULTS. Almost 37% of patients did not recognize the symptoms of hypoglycemia, and 31% did not know the risk factors of hypoglycemia. 52% of patients lacked sufficient knowledge about prevention of diabetic foot. More than 90% of participants confirmed that education improves the patients’ mood and helps them to become more motivated to manage diabetes.
CONCLUSIONS. The study demonstrated that the patients’ knowledge about self-control and self-management is insufficient and health education is the key activity to increase awareness of the possibility of patients’ condition and quality of life improvement. The aim of education is to provide patients with the knowledge of their illness, self-care skills, and psycho-emotional support and motivation to cope with practical and emotional problems. Methods and forms of health education should be adjusted to individual needs of each patient.