Introduction. Diabetic education is an indispensable element of diabetes therapy, based on a properly prepared education programme. Preliminary assessment of participant's knowledge and educational preferences allow to adjust the content and methods to their individual needs and capabilities. Aim of the study. The purpose of the study was to determine the educational needs of patients with type 2 diabetes before participating in a diabetic education programme. Material and methods. The study was conducted among 145 patients with type 2 diabetes, treated in dabetes outpatient clinics in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski. The primary research tool was a questionnaire, which examined the current status of patients' knowledge and their educational needs. Results. 97% of the subjects have a glucose meter, and 92% carry a diary of glycemic control. Only 48% of patients know the correct place of finger puncture for glucose measurement. Only 12% of the respondents change the needle into a lance after each use, and 14% of insulin users change the needle in the pen after each insulin injection. Significant deficiencies in knowledge on the prevention of diabetic foot disease were found in 31% of respondents. Despite being ill with diabetes for many years, only 34% of patients know how to deal with hypoglycemia. Prior to diabetic education, interest in all subjects in diabetes was very high, in each case the average was above 9 points on a 10-point scale. The subject of diets in diabetes was the most popular (M = 9.99). Conclusions. It has been shown that patients with an average of 11 years of diabetes continue to have educational deficiencies in self-control and self-care. The respondents either do not understand the concepts and commands or interpret them in a wrong way. Patients are interested in expanding their knowledge on various aspects of diabetes. Educational activities should be adjusted to the individual needs of patients.

Key words: diabetes, diabetes education, diabetes self-care.