Pensioners with type 2 diabetes in the family health program in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo - Brazil

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to characterize aged pensioners with type 2 diabetes, users of a primary health care service. Participants were 43 individuals selected according to the inclusion criteria. Data was obtained from primary and secondary sources, and analyzed using the SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) software. The average age was 75.3 years. There was little participation in community groups and in physical activities. Seventeen aged individuals used the primary healthcare service. Twelve men were retired and twelve women received pension. The average arterial blood pressure was 130x80 mmHg and the average glucose level was 141 mg/dl. Diet orientations were given mostly by physicians. Further studies are necessary to analyze the cause of the little adherence to the groups and to physical activity. Health teams should have an effective participation in diabetes control and should encourage the family to participate in the care process, as this diseases requires long term management.