KNOWLEDGE OF DIABETIC PATITES ABOUT THE DISEASE AND NUTRITIONAL TREATMENT

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic disease characterized by a high rate of glucose in the blood and is considered a serious public health problem, that can result in various complications. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge of elderly diabetics about their disease and nutritional treatment. The study was cross-sectional with 28 diabetic patients of Program of Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus (HIPERDIA) of the Family Health Strategy, aged over 60 years, of both sexes. Data were collected by a structured form, which were analyzed by Epi-info program, with a significance level of 5% (p <0.05). The average age of the elderly was 72.64 years (+7.63) and 75.00% women and 25.00% men. The results showed that 71.40% knew the value of fasting glucose, and 89.30% with type II diabetes and 100% knew the excessive consumption of sugars and sweets as a risk factor for diabetes. Control measures for diabetes, 92.90% identified the hypoglycemic and 96.40% say that diet is a measure of control. Thus, it concluded that knowledge of diabetics about their disease and nutritional treatment was satisfactory to control of disease, which brings a better treatment and decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and improve the quality of life.