Estilo de vida e autopercepção em saúde no controle do diabetes mellitus tipo 2.

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) represents a chronic disease of high prevalence, being the lifestyle of most new cases. Also, the perception that the diabetic patient has about his illness acts as a protection factor. Objective: to verify if the lifestyle and the self-perception in health interfere in the glycemic control of patients with DM2. Methodology: an observational, transversal and analytical study, developed with diabetic patients of a University Hospital. Data were collected through a questionnaire and analyzed using Pearson's chi- square test or Fisher's exact test, where appropriate, to determine associations. The level of significance was set at 5% (p <0.05). Glycemic control was assessed from the values of fasting glycemia and glycated hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C). Results: The majority of patients were female, 60 years of age or older, had low income and education. In addition, they were smokers, alcoholics and had the disease uncontrolled. There were statistically significant associations between glycemic control and gender (p = 0.003), smoking (p = 0.004), sedentarism (p <0.001), dental brushing (p <0.001) and dental flossing (p <0.001). Finally, the majority believed that there was a relationship between DM2 and limb amputation (90.2%), systemic arterial hypertension (72.5%) and cataract (62.7%). Conclusion: The importance of the follow-up of diabetic patients is emphasized, and self-perception extends the possibilities of access to health services. In addition, the data obtained provide information to be used for the prevention of DM2 complications.