Diabetes educational group

an experience report in primary health care

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in the world, generating social and economic impact. The management of DM goes beyond drug therapy; it requires lifestyle changes, self-knowledge and active patient engagement in their own care. Objective: To report the experience of organizing and executing an educational group on DM, carried out by the Health Center team and by medical students. Experience report: The group was located in a Health Center in the hypercenter of Belo Horizonte. There were two meetings, the first with the participation of eight people, while the second with three people. In both meetings, blood pressure was measured, capillary blood glucose was analyzed, feet were assessed, visual acuity was tested, vaccination was performed, patients were weighed and referred to specialist doctors, such as ophthalmologists and nephrologists. In addition, the topic of the discussion group in the first meeting was about the correct use of medications, and in the second, peripheral neuropathy and sensations. Final considerations: This experience contributed for the medical students to the development of clinical skills, with improvements in the practices performed and humanized care. On the other hand, the patients with diabetes who participated in the action benefited from access to health care that is often neglected in the routine of services. The experience also provided support, the transmission of information and awareness about the importance of self-care and disease control, in line with the principles of the National Humanization Policy, which values qualified listening, bonding, and the active participation of the user in health care.