Diabetes mellitus in older adults at the Gonzáles Suárez Health Center, Ecuador

Abstract

Introduction: according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of diabetes mellitus worldwide is high. It is important to carry out new research due to the high morbidity and mortality and lack of knowledge about the disease and its complications. Objective: to propose actions for the prevention of complications of diabetes mellitus in older adults who attend the Gonzales Suarez Health Center, in Otavalo, Ecuador. Method: a quantitative, qualitative, descriptive and field study was carried out. 86 older adults with chronic diseases who met the previously defined inclusion and exclusion criteria were studied as a universe and sample. The diagnostic survey and the questionnaire were used as study techniques. Results: patients' lack of knowledge about diabetes mellitus could be observed in 65% of the people surveyed; in addition, 45% do not do physical exercise and live a sedentary lifestyle, which favors the increase in factors. risk factors such as overweight and obesity. 85% of this population has a family history related to metabolic diseases. Conclusions: the proposal for actions to prevent complications of diabetes mellitus in older adults is based on intervention strategies which are aimed at reducing high morbidity and mortality and lack of knowledge about the disease.