EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES IN PHYSICAL THERAPY IN THE CONTEXT OF DIABETIC NEUROPATHY

Introduction and Objectives: Diabetes mellitus is a disease of the endocrine system that carries repercussions in various organs and biopsychosocial aspects of diabetic individuals. This is due, in particular, the complications like peripheral diabetic neuropathy, which is present in more than half of the diabetic population. However, it is sometimes unknown by patients. Therefore, this study aimed to show for diabetics about this complication and the contribution of physiotherapy in this area. Methods: In the purpose to achieve our goal, we have realized educational activities once a month between August to December 2015 with the patients in the Non-Governmental Organization "Diabetic House" in Belém do Pará. Results e Conclusion: During the actions, patients have received information on the incidence and definition of neuropathy. The most diabetics unaware of the existence of neuropathy, however, was a great number of people who reported the presence of symptoms related to this, such as paresthesia, hyposensitivity and deficiency in the body balance system. In view of this situation, the following actions aimed home exercise practices to stimulate the sensitivity and improve balance, which received good patient acceptance. It because the activities proposals spending low cost materials such as towels, abrasives, sponges and cotton, and in addition also show good effectiveness in controlling neuropathic symptoms. Thus, the importance of educational actions in the daily lives of diabetics can change their quality of life. Moreover, physical therapy can help maintain the functionality through the prevention of complications associated with the illness