Percepção sobre alimentação e os medicamentos entre portadores de diabetes tipo 2 frequentadores de uma associação filantrópica

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) has shown increasing numbers of cases worldwide, affecting about 7.6% of the Brazilian population. The disease usually occurs after the age of 40 and its main risk factors are obesity, age, sedentary lifestyle and nutrition. Several studies have indicated low rates of patient adherence to the recommended diet, since eating is rather complex and it does not just mean nutrient intake. It also involves a range of emotions and feelings, as well as specific cultural values. Drug treatment, however, implies forgetfulness or misuse of the drugs, particularly in the absence or low perception of symptoms. This study pursued to examine the insight of DM2 patients on their disease and the experience of medical and dietary treatments they experience. The subjects in this study were patients of the Diabetic Association of Juiz de Fora - MG. We opted for a qualitative, descriptive and exploratory research. The data were obtained from semi-structured interviews with 17 individuals who regularly attend the educational groups; men and women from the ages of 55 to 78 years. Moreover, they allowed the elaboration of four categories of analysis: the meaning of having diabetes, living with diabetes, the eating habits of the diabetic, and the use of drugs by the diabetic. The analyses showed acceptance with the disease, appreciation of the limitations imposed by the changes in the diet and the constant use of medication, resilience, higher self-esteem and confidence in self-care, rise of "social licenses" in the dietary and drug treatments, propensity to a higher adherence rate to the drug treatment in relation to the dietary one. The results of this study indicate the need for care by the health professionals, beyond biologicism, considering more the patients themselves and not just their disease. In addition, the results show the importance of other studies, which can support decision making on educational and politician levels that might meet the needs of these patients and the needs of health professionals.