Background. Complications of diabetes mellitus constitute one of the main causes of death and invalidity worldwide. Therefore, providing patients with necessary information is one of the key tasks of nurses taking care of patients with diabetes. Aim. The study attempted to assess the knowledge level of Warsaw Medical University students about type 2 diabetes mellitus. Materials and methods. The study enrolled a total of 101 Nursing students of Warsaw Medical University. A diagnostic survey (a questionnaire developed by the authors) was used in the study. Chi-square test (Statistica 12.5) was used for statistical analyses. Results. Most students had general knowledge of diabetes but it was not sufficient to provide patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with proper care and information. Knowledge of insulin adition to treatment of T2DM and methods of insulin injection was low. Moreover, Nursing students did not pay particular attention to the influence of tobacco and alcohol on patients with diabetes. Conclusions Although Nursing students had general knowledge of risk factors for diabetes mellitus as well as of the importance of diet and lifestyle in treatment of the disease, their detailed knowledge of diabetes was insufficient to provide proper care and information to patients with type 2 diabetes. Having a family history of diabetes was a discriminatory factor. There is a significant need to improve diabetes-related education among Nursing students.

Key words: outcomes of education, students, Nursing, type 2 diabetes mellitus.