The practice of self-care in the treatment of Type II Diabetes Mellitus by insulin users

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the level of adherence to self-care in the treatment of DMII among insulin-using patients treated at a family health unit in Palmas, Tocantins, in 2023. This is a quantitative study with 24 DMII patients using insulin who answered two questionnaires, one with sociodemographic questions and the other about self-care activities related to diabetes. The results showed that the interviewees demonstrated low adherence to exercise and physical activity, with an average below 2, which represented the worst result obtained in the QAD. In contrast, adherence to the use of oral medications and insulin was satisfactory, with averages of more than six days per week. The majority of interviewees showed better adherence to medication treatment, whether alone or associated with specific care, such as foot care, or low intake of sweets. However, exercise and physical activity and adherence to dietary guidelines were the areas of least impairment. Therefore, it is recommended that health professionals develop clinical-educational strategies aimed at people with DMII, with the aim of promoting health and encouraging the correct use of drugs and adherence to self-care, aiming to prevent complications related to this pathology, and reinforces the importance of self-care to prevent complications associated with the disease.