Abstract
Background: Diabetes mellitus is a major global public health challenge, and effective inpatient glycemic control is essential for reducing diabetes-related complications, improving patient safety, and enhancing clinical outcomes. However, inadequate knowledge and inconsistent clinical practices among nurses may adversely affect the quality of inpatient diabetes care. Objective: To assess the knowledge and practices regarding inpatient glycemic control among registered nurses working at Allama Iqbal Teaching Hospital dera ghazi khan and to determine the relationship between knowledge and clinical practices. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed at Allama Iqbal Teaching Hospital dera ghazi khan. A total of 101 registered nurses were selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using a structured, adapted questionnaire consisting of three sections: socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge regarding inpatient glycemic control (20 items), and practices regarding inpatient glycemic control (15 items). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, were used to summarize the data. Inferential statistics, including the Independent Samples t-test, One-Way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation, were applied to determine associations and relationships. Statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05. Results: The findings revealed that the majority of participants were female (88.1%), aged 26–30 years (37.6%), and held a BSN degree (52.5%). Overall, 46.5% of the nurses demonstrated a moderate level of knowledge, while 41.6% had good knowledge regarding inpatient glycemic control. More than half of the participants (52.5%) demonstrated good clinical practices. The mean knowledge score was 16.28 ± 2.41, whereas the mean practice score was 61.84 ± 6.52. Previous diabetes-related training and educational qualification were significantly associated with both knowledge and practice scores (p < 0.05). A statistically significant moderate positive correlation was observed between knowledge and practice scores (r = 0.468, p < 0.001), indicating that higher knowledge was associated with better clinical practices. Conclusion: The study concluded that registered nurses possessed moderate to good knowledge and generally good clinical practices regarding inpatient glycemic control. Continuous professional education, competency-based training, and regular assessment of nursing competencies are recommended to strengthen evidence-based inpatient glycemic management and improve the quality and safety of patient care.