The Misconceptions and Determinants of Diabetes Knowledge in Patients with Diabetes in Taiwan
Table 2
Common misconceptions about diabetes among respondents.
Questions
No. of respondents with a wrong answer
% incorrect
(False) People can always feel when their blood sugar level is high.
322
64%
(False) Taking insulin hurts the kidneys and may result in a need for dialysis.
261
52%
(False) Being a vegetarian helps control blood sugar levels.
241
48%
Foot ulcers are common in people with diabetes. Which of the following activities is not correct for foot care? (i) Check feet every day and keep them clean. (ii) Wear socks and shoes that fit comfortably. (iii) Use a hot water bag or electric blanket or soak feet in hot water to improve blood circulation to the feet.
235
47%
(False) Women with diabetes should avoid pregnancy or they will pass diabetes to their children.
223
45%
(False) Only sugar can affect blood sugar levels. As a result, as long as patients with diabetes stop eating sweets, their diabetes will improve.
174
35%
(True) Patients with diabetes do not have to avoid all kinds of sweets.
173
35%
(True) Even if people with diabetes are taking blood sugar-lowering medication or insulin, they should not overeat or overdrink.
107
21%
What can poor diabetes management lead to? (i) Kidney problems (nephropathy). (ii) Heart diseases (cardiovascular diseases). (iii) Both of the above.
