Risk factors and complications associated with patients with diabetes mellitus attended in an outpatient clinic in Minas Gerais

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity, and it is estimated that its prevalence will continue to rise significantly in the coming years, possibly even surpassing current projections for the next decades. Given this scenario, the need for a multi-sectoral response to address this ailment becomes evident. Objective(s): To assess the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and its respective risk factors and associated complications in the population previously consulted in an outpatient clinic. Methods:This is an observational, analytical, quantitative study based on retrospectively collected data from the medical records of patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus who were treated in an outpatient clinic between August 2019 and August 2022. Results: In a sample of 231 participants, 159 were female and 76 were male, with a mean age of 61.6 years. Among them, 75 had a family history of DM, 128 patients had Systemic Arterial Hypertension, 60 patients were overweight or obese, 87 were sedentary, 80 had dyslipidemia, and 28 had complications resulting from DM. Conclusion: It can be concluded that there is a higher prevalence of DM in female patients, and a significant association of the disease and its complications with Hypertension, family history, age, dyslipidemia, sedentary lifestyle, overweight, and obesity. The most prevalent complication observed was diabetic neuropathy. Therefore, it would be valuable to raise awareness among the population to undergo regular outpatient monitoring and laboratory tests, with the aim of controlling DM and other diseases that may lead to future complications.