Type 1 and 2 Diabetes Mellitus: interference of vascular and neurological complications in occupational performance

Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia and associated with complications. It is considered a chronic degenerative disease. Objective: This study aimed to identify which areas of human occupation suffered performance changes as a result of vascular and neurological complications of type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus. Method: This is a quantitative study with exploratory approach. The data collection occurred in a University Hospital located in a city in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul, and used a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Data were analyzed by Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient using the software Statistical Package for Social Science 15.0 (SPSS). Results: The sample consisted of 10 people with vascular and neurological complications resulting of type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus, with 80% men and 20% women. The most frequently cited occupational performance problems were in self-care activities (feeding, bathing and mobility), while the most affected productivity tasks were cooking and leisure activities such as walking and socializing. Conclusion: The data alert us to the work of occupational therapists caring for people with diabetes in all health care levels