Diabetics: Epidemiological profile and knowledge about the complications of diabetes mellitus

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological profile and the patients knowledge about Diabetes Mellitus (DM). About sixty-six patients answered a questionnaire like an interview. The predominantly females (60,6%), aged 61 years or over (68,2%), primary school (59%), white color (78,8%), non smokers (97%), retired people (77,4%), married (66,7%), low income (50%), over weight (35%), inactivity or don´t practice physical activity (60,6%), diabetes family history (79,4%), and hypertension as principal comorbidity (25,6%). In the relation to pathology`s knowledge, about 60,6% of people figure out of what is this pathology and the proper care. Of the participants, 72,5% said it was sugar in the blood” and 86,4% related that having Diabetes Mellitus (DM) type 2. The most part of patients (78,8%) didn´t had signs and symptoms when they had diagnosed with the disease. Almost 88% of patients used oral antidiabetic treatment, and the most common medicine is metformin, used by which 86,4% of the patients. There are patients who use insulin, 87,5% use 10 to 40 IU, twice a day 63,5%, they have to inject the insulin in the abdomen and 50% have to do the self-application. Now, in relation to diet, 72,7% said they follow her adequately and 62,2% don´t have problems with this. The results also showed that patients are aware of the possible complications, and the most frequent was retinopathy, 95,4%. Then, 68,2% use dental prostheses, and 62,1% don´t search for dental care. In this way, it is possible to concluded that diabetics patients should receive individualized and multidisciplinary care in the Basic Health Units, so that together with the professionals that monitored them, then can define what kind of care is required, and also decide to follow the treatment in a correct way, delaying the complications and improving their quality of life.