Introduction: It is now well established that type2 diabetes is part of the metabolic or
insulin resistance syndrome, which comprises hypertension, dyslipidemia, central adiposity and
cardiovascular disease. Aim: The study aims to assess the knowledge and practices among
diabetic' clients regarding cardiovascular problems in a rural area. Design: A descriptive study
was used. Setting: This study was conducted at diabetic' outpatient clinics at Kafr El-sheikh
General Hospital. Sampling: A purposive sample of 100 diabetic clients. Tools: Two tools were
used for data collection. First tool: Was an interviewing Questionnaire, this tool was divided into
three parts for collecting data. Part one: it was concerned with date related to socio-demographic
characteristics of the Diabetic Clients. Part two: It was concerned with client's past and present
health history as duration of illness, symptoms, investigations, and medications. Part three: It
was concerned with clients' knowledge regarding diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular problems.
Second tool: Checklist to Assessing diabetic clients' practices regarding diabetes mellitus and
cardiovascular problems. Results: The results of this study indicated that, the majority of diabetic
clients were females and their age ranged from 45- 50 years, almost were illiterate and were
living in not crowded homes. The highest portion their duration of diabetes were 4:5 years period.
More than half of studied samples had family history of diabetes. The majority of study sample
treated with insulin. The minority of them their Practices were correctly done for hypoglycemia
and hyperglycemia control. A large proportion of diabetic clients have poor knowledge and
practices regarding diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular problems. Conclusion: The study
concluded that there was no statistical significant association between socio-demographic
characteristics of diabetic clients' knowledge and their practices. As well there was statistical
significant association between diabetic clients' knowledge and their practices.
Recommendations: The study recommended that extensive health education and health
promotion programs are recommended to prevent diabetic complications.