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.