Revista Mexicana de Endocrinología, Metabolismo y Nutrición (Jul 2024)

Impact of diabetes education on practical knowledge: reducing disparities

  • Rubén Silva-Tinoco,
  • Daniela Rosales-Rosas,
  • Oyuki Juárez-Palacios,
  • Viridiana de la Torre,
  • Eileen Guzmán,
  • Teresa Cuatecontzi-Xochitiotzi,
  • Lilia Castillo-Martínez

DOI
https://doi.org/10.24875/RME.24000017
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11, no. 3

Abstract

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Background: Structured diabetes therapeutic education (DTE) interventions are lacking for people with diabetes. Objective: To explore the impact of DTE on diabetes knowledge (DK) in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) receiving conventional management in primary care. Method: Adult T2D patients from 26 primary care units were enrolled in a comprehensive care program incorporating structured diabetes education. Baseline and follow-up assessments of DK were conducted, with a comparative analysis based on educational attainment. Results: Data from 1,112 participants were analyzed, revealing a substantial deficit in fundamental DK, especially among those with lower educational levels. Participants demonstrated significant acquisitions in knowledge, irrespective of educational attainment. Conclusion: DTE promotes DK gain regardless of educational attainment, addressing disparities in diabetes care and promoting equitable access to quality care. These findings highlight the need to assess DK in people living with diabetes and integrate structured diabetes education into routine primary care, particularly for underserved populations.

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