Essential Insights on Diabetes Knowledge Among Nurses

Current State of Diabetes Knowledge in Non-Endocrinology Nurses

A recent cross-sectional survey study conducted across various tertiary general hospitals in Guizhou Province, China, involving 3,117 nurses, revealed significant gaps in diabetes knowledge among non-endocrinology nurses. The objective assessment score was 57.33 ± 25.78, indicating a relatively low level of understanding. Nurses often self-assessed their knowledge at 62.27 ± 16.80, which reflects a moderate confidence level but does not accurately represent their objective knowledge (Song et al., 2025).

The distribution of diabetes knowledge scores among nurses highlighted various deficiencies across key areas such as diabetes complications, medication management, and dietary knowledge. Specifically, the lowest scores were recorded in understanding diabetes complications (51.00 ± 33.17), which is alarming given the high incidence of such complications in clinical settings (Song et al., 2025). This indicates a critical need for continuous education and training to ensure nurses are adequately prepared to manage diabetes care effectively.

Table 1: Summary of Diabetes Knowledge Assessment Scores

Knowledge Dimension	Self-Assessment Score	Objective Assessment Score
Basics of Diabetes	62.40 ± 18.20	59.33 ± 28.83
Dietary Knowledge	63.80 ± 18.80	53.50 ± 32.00
Exercise Knowledge	60.40 ± 19.00	62.00 ± 29.17
Medication Knowledge	59.40 ± 18.00	59.17 ± 29.00
Monitoring Knowledge	64.60 ± 19.80	59.00 ± 27.33
Complications Knowledge	62.80 ± 18.40	51.00 ± 33.17
Total	62.27 ± 16.80	57.33 ± 25.78

Key Influencing Factors Affecting Nurses’ Diabetes Knowledge

The study identified several factors influencing the diabetes knowledge of non-endocrinology nurses. These included:

Department of Employment: Nurses working in intensive care units (ICUs) exhibited significantly lower diabetes knowledge compared to those in medical or surgical departments (p < 0.005). This disparity highlights the importance of specialized training in diabetes care, especially in environments where patients with complex conditions are frequently admitted (Song et al., 2025).
Diabetes In-Service Education: Participation in diabetes-focused training programs was positively correlated with higher knowledge scores (p < 0.005). Only 30.7% of nurses had received such training, indicating a significant gap in educational opportunities (Song et al., 2025).
Recent Clinical Experience: Nurses who had cared for diabetes patients more recently demonstrated better knowledge levels compared to those who had not (p < 0.005). This finding underscores the importance of direct patient care in reinforcing theoretical knowledge.

Table 2: Factors Influencing Diabetes Knowledge Scores

Factor	Knowledge Score (Mean ± SD)	Statistical Significance
Gender (Female)	20.78 ± 9.25	p < 0.005
Department (ICU)	18.26 ± 8.59	p < 0.005
Clinical Training Experience	Higher for trained nurses	p < 0.005
Last Time Cared for Diabetes	Recent care shows higher scores	p < 0.005

Discrepancies Between Self-Assessed and Actual Knowledge Levels

A notable discrepancy exists between the self-assessed and objectively measured diabetes knowledge levels among non-endocrinology nurses. While nurses expressed moderate confidence in their abilities, the objective assessment revealed that their actual knowledge was lacking, particularly in critical areas such as diabetes complications and medication management. This gap suggests that self-perception may not always align with reality, emphasizing the need for regular assessments and targeted training programs to bridge this divide (Song et al., 2025).

Importance of Targeted Training for Non-Endocrinology Nurses

Given the findings, it is critical to implement focused training programs for non-endocrinology nurses to enhance their diabetes knowledge and care competencies. Training should encompass not only the basics of diabetes management but also current treatment modalities, technological advancements in diabetes care, and effective communication strategies for patient education.

Regular Workshops and Seminars: Organize ongoing education sessions that focus on the latest diabetes management guidelines and practices.
Simulation-Based Training: Utilize case scenarios and simulations to provide hands-on experience in managing diabetes-related complications.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Foster collaboration between endocrinologists and non-endocrinology nurses to facilitate knowledge sharing and improve patient care strategies.

Recommendations for Improving Diabetes Care Education Programs

To effectively enhance the knowledge base of non-endocrinology nurses regarding diabetes management, the following recommendations are proposed:

Curriculum Development: Update nursing education curricula to include comprehensive diabetes care training, focusing on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Emphasize Continuous Professional Development: Encourage participation in diabetes-related continuing education courses and certifications.
Utilize Technology: Leverage online learning platforms to provide accessible training resources, especially for nurses in remote or under-resourced areas.
Conduct Regular Assessments: Implement routine evaluations of nurses’ knowledge and skills in diabetes care to identify gaps and tailor training accordingly.
Encourage Self-Assessment: Promote a culture of self-reflection among nurses to help them understand their knowledge gaps and seek out educational opportunities.

FAQs

What is diabetes, and why is it important for nurses to understand it?

Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels due to the body’s inability to produce insulin or use it effectively. Nurses play a critical role in managing diabetes care, as their knowledge can influence patient outcomes significantly.

How can nurses improve their diabetes knowledge?

Nurses can enhance their diabetes knowledge through participation in specialized training programs, attending workshops, engaging in continuous education, and utilizing online resources.

What are the consequences of insufficient diabetes knowledge among nurses?

Insufficient knowledge can lead to inadequate patient care, increased risk of complications, poor patient outcomes, and reduced patient satisfaction.

How can healthcare organizations support nurses in gaining diabetes knowledge?

Healthcare organizations can support nurses by providing access to continuing education programs, offering workshops, encouraging mentorship from experienced clinicians, and integrating diabetes education into nursing curricul

References

Song, J., Li, S., Gu, C., Zhao, S., Li, X., Liu, S., Tuo, J., & Huang, S. (2025). The current status and influencing factors of diabetes knowledge among non-endocrinology nurses of tertiary general hospitals: a cross-sectional survey study. BMC Nursing. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-02741-6
World Health Organization. (2021). Global diabetes compact
International Diabetes Federation. (2021). IDF Diabetes Atlas: 10th edition
American Diabetes Association. (2022). Standards of medical care in diabetes. Diabetes Care, 45(Supplement_1), S1-S264
Wang, Y., Zhang, Y., Han, J., Chen, Y., Li, L., Wei, X., & Fu, G. (2023). Diabetes knowledge and training needs among non-endocrinology nurses. Heliyon, 9(5), e15985. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15985
Li, S., Pan, S., Jiang, S., Shin, J. I., Liu, G. G., & Lyu, B. (2024). Prescription medication use among patients with type 2 diabetes in the United States: 1999–2020. Diabetes Obesity & Metabolism, 26(7), 2933–2944