THE RELATIONSHIP OF DIABETES KNOWLEDGE TO REGIMEN COMPLIANCE AND METABOLIC CONTROL DURING PREGNANCY

The relationship of diabetes knowledge to regimen compliance and metab olic control was examined in a sample of pregnant women with preexisti ng insulin-dependent and noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (N = 2 7) and women who developed gestational diabetes during pregnancy (N = 45). Subjects completed self-report measures of diabetes knowledge and compliance with their diabetic regimen and blood glucose levels were monitored. Knowledge was positively, although modestly, related to die tary compliance, compliance with insulin administration and insulin re action management recommendations, as well as fasting blood glucose le vels. Findings suggest that among pregnant women, efforts to increase knowledge of diabetes specific to pregnancy may result in some improve ment in selected aspects-of the diabetic regimen.