Prevalência do Diabetes mellitus na zona urbana do município de Santa Inês - MA.

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a group of chronic diseases that affect blood glucose regulation due to insulin insufficiency or resistance. Statistics on the disease reveal the growing global number of individuals affected by this condition. The objective of this research is to identify the prevalence of diabetes in the urban population of the municipality of Santa Inês, Maranhão (MA). This study is exploratory, descriptive, and cross-sectional in nature, conducted through a quantitative approach in the urban area of Santa Inês. Data collection was based on the individual registry report of patients with diabetes mellitus enrolled in the Family Health Strategy in the urban zone of Santa Inês/MA. This report was provided by the Coordination of Primary Care. The research was approved by the Research Ethics Committee (CEP) under opinion no. 6.547.172. The results show that the prevalence of DM in the urban area of Santa Inês was estimated at 5.1%, with a higher prevalence among women (61%) compared to men (39%). Age group analysis revealed a predominance of cases in individuals aged 60 years or older, accounting for 56% of the records. The study highlights a relationship between diabetes mellitus and other chronic diseases, particularly chronic arterial hypertension. The research underscored the need for health education and self-care in the management of diabetes mellitus in Santa Inês, MA, as knowledge about the condition is essential for its control, directly influencing the prevention of complications and the patients' quality of life. Therefore, it is necessary to implement strategies to strengthen healthcare for these patients, thereby improving their quality of life. We consider UEMA a key institution that can greatly contribute to this process of healthcare attention for diabetic patients in the municipality of Santa Inês/MA.