Retention of knowledge and self-care skills after an intensive in-patient diabetes education program

Diabetes knowledge and self-care skills were studied in 35 adults with IDDM and NIDDM before and after an intensive in-patient education program and 6-12 months after discharge. Knowledge and skills were compared to fasting serum glucose levels and percent ideal body weight (%IBW). Although knowledge improved during hospitalization and knowledge and skills were maintained at follow-up, there was not a significant relationship between fasting serum glucose levels and knowledge or self-care skills or %IBW.