The efficacy of a diabetic educational program and predictors of compliance of diabetes mellitus patient’s

Abstract

Category: Diabetes Introduction/Purpose: Diabetes mellitus has become a global public health problem. Not only has its incidence remained high in developed countries such as Japan and the United States, but, also, the number of cases has been growing alarmingly in developing countries such as Brazil. The concept of detection and management of diabetes mellitus in primary care centers is widely practiced in Brazil by the general physician. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of our educational diabetics program for patients with diabetes mellitus and to determine the predictors of compliance. Since our patient orientation protocols and the insensitive footwear we provide reduce our hospital admission costs. Methods: A prospective study (2005-2017) was performed in a quaternary hospital where patients with diabetes were referred to the outpatient clinic of the diabetic foot group. The epidemiological profile of these patients under treatment in a specialized multidisciplinary outpatient unit was evaluated. A specific protocol included notes on the age, body mass index, length of disease, use of insulin, degree of sensation as evaluated by the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test, deformity in feet, palpation of peripheral pulses, cigarette smoking, and previous operative procedure in foot an ankle.The same specialist orthopedic doctors in foot and ankle completed the protocol and performed the specific physical examination (reports were made on deformities regarded as risky for the incursion of ulcers such as plantar callosities, alterations of the hallux and lesser toes, loss of the longitudinal plantar arch, and all those related to Charcot arthropathy) and performed the same a guidelines for foot care. Results: Out of the 578 diabetic patients, the mean age of was 67 years, 69% being of the female gender. There was 53% made use of insulin, the time of disease was 14 years, and 85% patients were obese. Evaluation of protective sensibility showed that 68% were significantly decreased (from the 4.0 g monofilament). The ulcers was found in 64 patients, 57% had degree 1 in the Wagner classification, and 63% was affected in the forefoot. Charcot neuroarthropathy was diagnosed in 54 patients, 52% had the phase 3 in the Eichenholz classification, and 61% was affected in the midfoot. Fifty-three patients had amputations at the time of their first appointment, 66% on toes. 127 patients required surgery resulted from clinical complications: ulcers, osteomyelitis, and Charcot arthropathy. Conclusion: The costs related to the disease increase greatly with the appearance of the complications, especially if there is need of hospitalization and surgical treatment. The prevention of injuries, with adequate glycemic control and supply of protective shoes is essential.