Knowledge and Self-Management Practices of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients at Kibagabaga District Hospital

<i>Background</i><i>: </i>Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a growing global public health concern. In Rwanda, its prevalence continues to rise, yet limited information exists regarding patients’ diabetes-specific knowledge and self-management practices.<i> </i><i>Objective:</i><i> </i>This study assessed diabetes-specific knowledge and self-management among patients with T2DM attending Kibagabaga District Hospital.<i> </i><i>Method:</i><i> </i>A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted among 198 patients with T2DM selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS version 25.0.<i> </i><i>Results</i><i>: </i>Of the 198 participants, 63.6% were female, with a mean age of 52.4 years (SD = 11.83). The mean duration since diagnosis of diabetes was 4.5 years. Comorbidities were reported in 33.3% of participants, predominantly hypertension (16.7%). More than half (55.1%, n = 109) demonstrated adequate diabetes-specific knowledge, while 97% (n = 192) showed poor self-management practices. No significant association was found between diabetes-specific knowledge and self-management levels. However, self-management was significantly associated (p < 0.05) with social class (Ubudehe category) and the presence of comorbidities.<i> </i><i>Conclusion</i><i>: </i>Although many patients exhibited fair diabetes-specific knowledge, self-management practices remained poor. Further research is needed to identify barriers to effective self-care, and targeted interventions should be implemented to improve diabetes education and management among patients in Rwanda.