Objective Amidst the increased diabetes prevalence in Malaysia, it is important to look into matters that influence patients’ self-management. Patients’ knowledge has been determined as an initiator for the improvement in diabetes self-management. This study aimed to explore patients’ experiences, views, and challenges in obtaining diabetes knowledge as well as to assess the information needs among patients. Method Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients (n=21) were recruited from Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah and Meru Health Clinic in Klang via purposive sampling. In-depth Interviews (IDI) were performed using a semi-structured interview guide comprising open-ended questions. All data were analysed thematically. Results The patients aged between 29 to 79 years old and the majority were male. Most of the patients had T2DM for more than 5 years. Their main sources of information were healthcare providers (HCP) and the media. Although patients obtained the required knowledge on diabetes from the HCP, they still faced certain challenges, including the need for further information, especially on medication and dietary practice. Conclusion T2DM patients mainly sought information from the HCP and media since both sources were easily accessible and approachable. However, certain information, particularly on medication and diet, was vague and redundant. Thus, patients often requested further detailed information to aid the development of their self-management skills. An individual-based diagnostic instrument can be beneficial as it can serve as the guideline to oversee the needs and issues in tackling patients’ issues in DM management. Furthermore, government and other relevant stakeholders can diversify the approaches to improve the information delivery process by optimising effective communication channels (i.e., printed, internet, broadcasting) to cater to T2DM patients’ information needs.

Keywords : Diabetes Management, DM, Information Need, Knowledge, T2DM.