Diabetic foot risk assessment in a basic health unit

Abstract

According to the United Nations, 70% of amputations performed in Brazil are due to Diabetes Mellitus. There is evidence that poorly controlled or untreated diabetes develops consequences such as increased number of hospitalizations, increased cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, blindness, renal failure and non-traumatic lower limb amputation. Experience report: From May to June 2018, undergraduate medical students performed some activities to assess and care for the diabetic foot of users at the Basic Health Unit (UBS) of Jardim Fragoso I, located in the city of Olinda, PE. Twenty-one users of the UBS who had an early diagnosis of DM participated in the activities. The proposed activities were conversation circles with guidelines and care for the diabetic foot, and then an assessment was carried out using the Evaluation and Tracking form for Neuropathic Pain, Loss of Protective Sensitivity and Peripheral Arterial Disease for Primary Health Care. The clearest change identified in this study was the reduction in plantar protective sensitivity. Conclusion: Based on this experience, we identified the need to carry out secondary prevention practices at the UBS aimed at a person diagnosed with DM, including screening for the risk of ulceration. As care coordinator, organizer of the Health Care Network and gateway to the Unified Health System (SUS), this service generates relevant impacts in improving the prognosis and reducing complications related to chronic diseases.