Caring for those who care: Assessment of Neuropathy and Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus 2

Abstract

Objective: To identify the prevalence of diabetes mellitus 2 (DM2) in caregivers and inspect the feet in self-reported diabetics. Method: Quantitative cross-sectional study, probabilistic sampling of convenience in caregivers of special children cared for in a philanthropic institution with the application of a direct questionnaire, in diabetics self-reported by the questionnaire, offered the inspection of the feet following the "Form for Assessment of Neuropathy and Disease Peripheral Arterial - Specialty Clinic "with the instruments: 10g Semmes-Weinstein monofilament, 128Hz tuning fork, reflective hammer. Results: There was a prevalence of 23.7% diabetics in the public of 114 respondents. During inspection, it was identified: dry skin, fissures, ringworm, altered skin color, dilated dorsal vessels and edema. Conclusion: We observed the problem of a local reality in a philanthropic institution, the data are not generalizable. The need for screening and intervention strategies focusing on primary care and self-care is evident in order to avoid amputations and other injuries resulting from DM2.