Self-injection of insulin: attitudes of a group of individuals with diabetes

Objective: to verify the preparation of diabetic users for self administration of insulin. Method: this is a cross-sectional study carried out with diabetic users of insulin registered at two Basic Health Units (BHU) one with Family Health Strategy the other without. A questionnaire with open and closed questions was used. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistic. The study was approved by the committee of ethical in investigation of the Associação Cultural e Científica Nossa Senhora de Fátima under the protocol no 020/09. Results: women (67,5%), average age 61,40±11,99. Most were suffering from type 2 diabetes (95%), and were under treatment with insulin for an average time of about 6,33±6,92 years. Signs and symptoms of decompensated diabetes were recognized by 62,5% of users, 67,5% perform self administration of insulin. Most have some type of questions regarding site rotation for the injection. Alcohol swabs are used as an antiseptic in preparation of the skin prior to insulin injection by most respondents (73,7%). Regarding the reuse of syringes and needles, most users carry out this practice. Conclusion: the results suggest that users need professional monitoring, aiming to reinforce guidance on diabetes and insulin therapy. Descriptors: diabetes mellitus; primary health care; insulin; community health nursing.