Objective To explore the application effect of a tertiary hospital-led multidisciplinary team combined with primary chain management model in diabetes knowledge and glycemic management among rural patients with diabetes complications. Methods A total of 500 rural patients with diabetes complications from 4 secondary hospitals and 1 primary care institution between June 2023 and June 2024 were selected as study subjects using purposive sampling. Among them, 250 rural patients with diabetes complications willing to be managed by the tertiary hospital-led multidisciplinary team combined with primary chain management model were assigned to the observation group, while 250 patients choosing conventional intervention were assigned to the control group. Both groups received continuous intervention for 12 months. Diabetes Knowledge (Adult) Scale scores, as well as fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2-hour postprandial blood glucose (2hPBG), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, were compared between the two groups before the intervention, 6 months after the intervention, and 12 months after the intervention. Results During the intervention, 7 and 5 patients dropped out from the observation group and control group, respectively. Ultimately, 243 patients in the observation group and 245 in the control group completed the study. Before the intervention, there was no statistically significant difference in the Diabetes Knowledge (Adult) Scale score, or in the level of FBG, 2hPBG, or HbA1c between the two groups (all P>0.05). However, 6 months and 12 months after the intervention, the observation group had higher Diabetes Knowledge (Adult) Scale scores and lower FBG, 2hPBG, and HbA1c levels compared to the control group (all P<0.05). Conclusion The tertiary hospital-led multidisciplinary team combined with primary chain management model can effectively improve diabetes knowledge levels and enhance glycemic management outcomes in rural patients with diabetes complications.