Clinical evolution of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the clinical evolution of patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus treated in Primary Health Care, comparing clinical and behavioral parameters between the first and the last consultation. Methods: A descriptive, quantitative study conducted with 97 patients followed by the extension project “Health Promotion for Diabetic Patients” in municipalities in northern Paraná, Brazil, from 2023 to 2025. Data were collected through clinical consultations and structured interviews, including clinical, metabolic, and lifestyle variables. Statistical analysis considered a significance level of 5% (p<0.05). Results: A significant improvement was observed in mean capillary blood glucose levels (186.3 → 179 mg/dL; p=0.011), systolic blood pressure (137.4 → 136.6 mmHg; p=0.012), and adherence to drug therapy (p=0.005). Physical activity practice showed significant variation (p<0.001). Conversely, a worsening of nutritional status was identified, with increased overweight and obesity, as well as deterioration of foot conditions, with a higher occurrence of lesions (p<0.05). Conclusion: Multidisciplinary follow-up favors clinical control and therapeutic adherence; however, socioeconomic challenges and difficulties in self-care limit broader improvements, reinforcing the importance of educational, nutritional, and preventive strategies aimed at health promotion and quality of life.