PROFILE OF TYPE 1 DIABETIC THERAPY USERS IN CUITÉ, PARAÍBA, BRAZIL

Introduction: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease that requires continuous insulin therapy to improve patient survival. Objective: To evaluate the use of insulin and related practices by T1DM patients in Cuité, Paraíba. Methodology: This cross-sectional, descriptive, and quantitative study included 30 patients receiving insulin in Cuité/PB. Results: Most participants were male (56.7%), over 70 years old (33.4%), had low education (66.7%), and had an income of 1–3 minimum wages (86.7%). It was observed that 83.3% of the participants reported having a healthy diet, 60% were sedentary, and 73.3% had rotated insulin injection sites, with the arm being the most commonly used site (56.7%). Conclusion: There is a need to increase guidance on the proper use of insulin and correct disposal of sharps to improve patient care and quality of life.