Abstract:
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease, and the complications may be life-threatening; however, with
proper treatment and control measures, it can be very well-managed. Self-management training and education of diabetes
are critical in diabetes care and management. It is essential that patients with diabetes must have a comprehensive
understanding of the nature of the disease, risk factors, complications, and possible treatment modalities to attenuate the
complications. Over the last few years, DM in Saudi Arabia has been rapidly growing at an alarming rate. It has affected
around one-fifth of the adult population, and by 2030, the numbers are predicted to rise further and exceed more than
double the present number. An estimated tenfold increase has been reported over the past three decades in Saudi Arabia.
However, there has not been much research focusing on understanding the knowledge and awareness of DM in Saudi
Arabia as compared to developed nations. This review aims to present an overview of the current knowledge and
awareness level of DM among the population of Saudi Arabia through an extensive review of the currently available
literature. The review findings could be of immense assistance to the government, healthcare systems, educational
institutions, and researchers to develop evidence-based programs, policies, and guidelines towards increasing the
knowledge and awareness about diabetes and its management, so that early detection and management can be ensured to
control the escalating burden of diabetes, in Saudi Arabia.