Self-care of people with diabetes mellitus who have lower limb complications

Objective: Evaluate self-care activities of people with diabetes mellitus who have ulcers and/or amputations in lower limbs. Methods: Cross-sectional study utilizing a quantitative approach developed in secondary and tertiary health units. The research instrument for the evaluation of self-care was the Diabetes Questionnaire of Self-Care Activities, previously validated for the Portuguese language. This questionnaire was applied to a convenience sample consisting of 35 people. Results: Desirable self-care was noted i.e. good self-care related to the use of drug therapy, and the opposite for the practice of physical activities. Conclusion: Data suggested that continuous follow-up of these individuals in caring for their ulcers can contribute to self-care activities; the presence of ulcers limits the practice of physical activity.