The efficacy of our current educational programme for diabetic patients was assessed. Cognitive and behavioural tests were administered to 75 Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic patients, aged less than or equal to 30 years attending the Diabetic Clinic of the Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. An overall deficiency in knowledge was evident. Fifty-one patients responded incorrectly to greater than 20% of the items tested. Twenty-nine patients lacked the ability to communicate a simple understanding of diabetes. Whereas most (70 +) correctly identified the methodology of urinalysis, uncertainty was evident concerning appropriate action needed in response to such tests. Forty-nine did not know the significance of thirst and polyuria and 20 were unaware that hyperglycaemia could progress to coma. The ability to modify insulin dosage was poor as was the ability to use exchanges. Of patients aged greater than or equal to 20 years, those from the Dublin region scored better than did those from surrounding towns or rural areas, (r = 0.5; p less than 0.01). Regular out-patient attenders scored less well than non-attenders (r = 0.24; p less than 0.05) but had better glycosylated haemoglobin levels (r = 0.3; p less than 0.01). Gycosylated haemoglobin showed no significant correlation with level of knowledge held.

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