Patient and health care provider knowledge of diabetes and diabetic microvascular complications: a comprehensive literature review

Abstract

Diabetic retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy occur in more than 50% of people with diabetes, contributing substantially to morbidity and mortality. Patient understanding of these microvascular complications is essential to ensure early recognition and treatment of these sequalae as well as associated symptoms, yet little is known about patient knowledge of microvascular sequalae. In this comprehensive literature review, we provide an overview of existing knowledge regarding patient knowledge of diabetes, retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy. We also discuss health care provider's knowledge of these sequalae given that patients and providers must work together to achieve optimal care. We evaluated 281 articles on patient and provider knowledge of diabetic retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy as well as predictors of improved knowledge and screening practices. Results demonstrated that patient and provider knowledge of microvascular sequalae varied widely between studies, which may reflect sociocultural or methodologic differences. Knowledge assessment instruments varied between studies with limited validation data and few studies controlled for confounding. Generally, improved patient knowledge was associated with greater formal education, longer diabetes duration, and higher socioeconomic status. Fewer studies examined provider knowledge of sequalae, yet these studies identified multiple misconceptions regarding appropriate screening practices for microvascular complications and the need to screen patients who are asymptomatic. Further investigations are needed that use well validated measures, control for confounding, and include diverse populations. Such studies will allow identification of patients and providers who would benefit from interventions to improve knowledge of microvascular complications and, ultimately, improve patient outcomes.

The Leap of Inulin Fructans from Food Industry to Medical Application

“…More than 50 % of DM patients present with retinopathy, nephropathy and nervous system lesions, with high morbidity and mortality. [121] DM has caused serious economic burden to the whole society. How to prevent and treat the occurrence and development of DM and related complications is an urgent public health problem.…”

“…DM can also damage multiple tissues and organs. More than 50 % of DM patients present with retinopathy, nephropathy and nervous system lesions, with high morbidity and mortality [121] . DM has caused serious economic burden to the whole society.…”

Awareness of Diabetic Patients Regarding Diabetes Complications in Saudi Arabia: Systematic Review

“…Poorly managed diabetes can cause a variety of headaches ranging from microvascular to macrovascular, including coronary artery disease, renal failure, blindness, stroke, skin ulcers, particularly within the foot, and so on, all of which can result in significant morbidity and mortality [11]. Diabetes is the most serious hazard to the progression and development of DM complications.…”

Chinese Healthcare Workers’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Diabetic Kidney Management: A Multi-Centered Cross-Sectional Study

“… 16 Healthcare professionals with a thorough understanding of disease management and practical experience are essential for delivering high-quality healthcare services and treatments. 17 , 18 However, in the context of DKD, limited research exists on KAP among nephrologists. A qualitative study found only 56% of healthcare workers perform kidney function assessments in Type 2 Diabetes patients, and merely 25% use urinary albumin for DKD monitoring and staging.…”

“…A comprehensive literature review further underscores the limited attention given to DKD-related KAP among healthcare workers and emphasizes the imperative for additional research in this domain. 18 Consequently, the research questions are: 1) What are the current levels of KAP among healthcare workers regarding DKD management? and 2) What factors influence these dimensions?…”