Diabetes knowledge assessment among nurses working in primary health care centers in Riyadh
Introduction
Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common lifestyle diseases in Saudi Arabia and the world (DM). A metabolic disease characterizes the disorder called a shortage of insulin in the body. The illness is “a metabolic disorder with multiple etiologies marked by abnormalities in carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism originating from deficits in insulin production, insulin action, or both,” according to the World Health Organization (as cited by Alhaiti, Alotaibi, Jones, DaCosta, & Lenon, 2016, p. 1). The three main types of diabetes are type 1 diabetes (T1DM), type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and gestational diabetes. The three conditions must be adequately controlled to enhance the quality of life for those impacted. As a result, to help patients manage and treat their conditions effectively, nurses and other medical professionals need to work together with them. Healthcare practitioners should sufficiently understand the condition and treatment options.
Diabetes affects people of various ages, genders, and cultural backgrounds worldwide. The International Diabetes Federation (2017) calculated that 8.8% of people who are 20 years or older have the illness worldwide. However, compared to other locations, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has a higher prevalence of the ailment (9.6% in 2017). (2017) (International Diabetes Federation). Prevalence is expected to rise due to factors like the rate of urbanization, the rise in the senior population, the incidence of obesity caused by a loss in physical activity, and other factors (Majeed et al., 2014). Since diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent diseases in Saudi Arabia and has a substantial economic impact, effective medicines are needed. Saudi Arabia has the highest rate of diabetes mellitus in the MENA region, at 17.7%, according to the International Diabetes Federation (2017).