Misconceptions Associated with Type 1 Diabetes in Healthcare Workers

Abstract

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is a complex idiopathic disease which is often misunderstood (Easler, 201). Misconceptions related to T1D cause increased stigma concerning the disease. This stigma leads to increased negative psychosocial effects, which have been proven to have a negative effect on diabetes management and glycemic control. My thesis will analyze misconceptions health care professionals have regarding T1D, which to my knowledge has yet been studied, to provide awareness and the need for additional training of health care professionals. I hypothesize that even with their medical training, healthcare professionals have some of the same misconceptions that can be observed in the general public. Results of the survey verified that medical professionals have significantly more knowledge of diabetes, but not significantly fewer misconceptions or less stigma than the general public. The correction of misconceptions of healthcare professional regarding T1D could lead to improved disease management, better glycemic control and provide a better quality of life for the T1D patient.