ESTIMATING THE RISK OF DEVELOPING TYPE 2 DIABETES: SCREENING PRIMARY HEALTHCARE PATIENTS

Introduction and Objectives According to World Health Organization, about 240 millions people suffered from Diabetes Mellitus (DM) in 2005, and this index may increase in the following years. Southern and Southeast regions of Brazil showed a high prevalence of DM, due to bad diet habits and lifestyle. Plenty of people do not have the essential knowledge concerning their health quality, such as blood glucose levels (BGL‘s). Based on that matter, the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) questionnaire is a screening tool to estimate risk of type 2 diabetes. It evaluates patient‘s health status and various potential risk factors for diabetes. Therefore, the study aims to search for patient‘s BGL in order to prevent and treat them. Methods All participants were from Nilza Cordeiro Herdy Ambulatory. The FINDRISC was applied and related with the risk of developing Diabetes Mellitus in primary care patients. Results and Conclusion: 400 people took part. They all had FINDRISC assessments and a preliminary blood glucose test. The risk of developing type 2 diabetes increased with age. The prevalence of participants at high risk was of 65% in men and 60% in women. 75% presented high levels of glucose. From the population over 65 years, 67% presented hyperglycemia. A considerable number of patients had dysglycaemia or was at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The questionnaire is a reliable, valuable and easy to use screening tool in primary healthcare surveillance.