Survey on the level of Knowledge about the aspects of adequate insulin use by people living with Diabetes Mellitus and attended at SUS

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease of endocrine-metabolic origin, characterized by hyperglycemia, and which may require the use of exogenous insulin throughout life. In this sense, it is essential to know about the adequate use of insulin by people living with DM, in order to understand the conditions of storage, application and how to avoid possible adverse reactions, also aiming to increase the clinical effectiveness of this hormone. In this observational and cross-sectional study, a sample of 102 patients with DM, who use insulin and are attended at SUS units in a city in southern Minas Gerais, Brazil, was analyzed. Among the interviewees, with a sample of the adult population, there was a predominance of patients over 50 years old, weighing over 76 kg, and who eat an average of 3-4 meals/day. An absolute majority of the use of intermediate-acting insulin (NPH) was observed, with variable dosage, predominance of application in the abdominal region and arms, partial awareness about the rotation of the application site, considerable frequency of adverse reactions during application and, in general, adequate storage of this hormone. Therefore, once patients acquire a certain routine experience and addictions arise that lead to certain errors of manipulation and execution of the insulin application technique, they must be constantly evaluated by the health team, encouraging the practice to allow them to observe, correct and verify your acquisitions and skills on the topic.