Are we confident that final-year medical students know at least basics about diabetes?: A preliminary report from the multicenter, survey-based Diabetes Know-Me study

Background We present the results of the pilot study of a multinational "Diabetes Know-Me" project investigating knowledge regarding diabetes of medical students. This is the first collaborative project of the ISPAD JENIOUS group. Methods Students of the final year of medical studies from six countries answered a 25-question survey regarding basic knowledge concerning diabetes (1091 surveys handed out, response rate 86%). Results Among the responders (58% female) 90% confirmed attending diabetology classes; 11% planned to specialize in diabetology. There were significant differences between countries in the median score of correct answers ranging from 10/25 to 22/25. Attending diabetes classes (20 vs. 13/25, p < 0.0001) was the strongest factor associated with improved knowledge about diabetes (other factors analyzed were: gender, familiar/personal experience of diabetes, interest to specialize in diabetology). Conclusions Basic knowledge about diabetes remains a challenge. Participating in classes concerning diabetes contributed the most to the diabetes-related knowledge among students of the final year of medical faculties.