Knowledge on inpatient diabetes among fourth-year medical students

OBJECTIVE - The importance of proper management of inpatient hyperglycemia is increasingly being recognized. However, the curriculum for 4th-year medical students has lagged behind current clinical recommendations. The aim of this study was to assess the baseline knowledge of medical subinterns on inpatient diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS - in the 2005-2006 school year, subinterns were given a pretest on inpatient diabetes. Descriptive analysis was used. RESULTS - Students frequently recommended the sole use of sliding scale for diabetes management. Hyperglycemia in patients not known to have diabetes is less likely to be recognized. The students were more likely to provide appropriate management for chest pain than diabetes. Students were otherwise knowledgable about the recognition of type of diabetes and the pharmacology of the medications. CONCLUSIONS - This study demonstrates the gaps in knowledge about inpatient diabetes that exist before internship and residency. The findings can be used to design a curriculum appropriately targeted to the level of 4th-year medical students.