Cases of amputation in patients with type 2 diabetes in the state of Piauí during the years 2002 to 2013

Diabetes Mellitus or Type 2 Diabetes is a disease characterized by a deficient production of insulin by the pancreas, leading to an increase in the level of glucose in the blood. Due to the high epidemiological rates and the negative impact on society, it is considered an important health problem in Brazil and worldwide. Diabetes Mellitus is associated with several complications, such as difficulty in wound healing, which can evolve into a serious case of amputation, especially of the lower limbs. Thus, the present work aims to present the epidemiological profile of patients with this disease, who suffered amputations during the years 2002 to 2013 in the state of Piauí, aiming to clarify the seriousness of the disease. A quantitative retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out, using data from the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS). In the analyzed period, 81 cases of amputation due to Diabetes Mellitus were reported, with the predisposing factors being, mainly, sex, age, presence of diabetic foot, kidney disease, stroke, acute myocardial infarction and lifestyle, with emphasis on sedentary lifestyle, overweight and smoking. It is concluded that Type 2 Diabetes was a frequent problem in the population of the state in the period discussed, with the highest number of cases occurring in 2002 and the lowest in 2003. Thus, it is essential to understand the seriousness of this disease, with the purpose of treating it and reducing the number of people who suffer amputations as a result of it.