Knowledge of diabetes in Asians and Europeans with and without diabetes: the Coventry Diabetes Study.

Knowledge about the nature, symptoms, complications, and treatment of diabetes was assessed among United Kingdom Europeans and Asians with and without diabetes during the Coventry Diabetes Study. An open questionnaire was validated for use among Asians and Europeans and a 'Knowledge Index' constructed. The questions were answered by 3814 (87%) of 4395 Asians and 3783 (69%) of 5508 Europeans. Among those with known diabetes, 216 (96%) of 223 Asians and 98 (94%) of 104 Europeans answered the questions. The nature of diabetes was unknown in 30% of Europeans and 44% of Asians with diabetes, and 42% and 67%, respectively, could not name a single complication. Most of those without diabetes were unable to name either a complication (Europeans 66%, Asians 89%) or a single symptom (66% and 83%, respectively). The Knowledge Index was highest in Europeans, increased with increasing educational achievement, and was lowest in non-diabetic subjects without a family history of diabetes. Even those with diabetes had a low Knowledge Index.