Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Improving IV Insulin Administration in a Community Hospital
Published on: June 11, 2012
Knowledge on inpatient diabetes among fourth-year medical students
M Cecilia Lansang1, Heather Harrell
1Division of Endocrinology, University of Florida, Health Science Center, Box 100226, Gainesville, FL 32610-0226, USA. lansamc@medicine.ufl.edu
Objective:
The importance of proper management of inpatient hyperglycemia is increasingly being recognized. However, the curriculum for 4th-year medical students has lagged behind current clinical recommendations. The aim of this study was to assess the baseline knowledge of medical subinterns on inpatient diabetes.
Research Design And Methods:
In the 2005-2006 school year, subinterns were given a pretest on inpatient diabetes. Descriptive analysis was used.
Results:
Students frequently recommended the sole use of sliding scale for diabetes management. Hyperglycemia in patients not known to have diabetes is less likely to be recognized. The students were more likely to provide appropriate management for chest pain than diabetes. Students were otherwise knowledgeable about the recognition of type of diabetes and the pharmacology of the medications.
Conclusions:
This study demonstrates the gaps in knowledge about inpatient diabetes that exist before internship and residency. The findings can be used to design a curriculum appropriately targeted to the level of 4th-year medical students.
Related Concept Videos
Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Type II Diabetes Mellitus III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis
Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...