Detection of high risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus using FINDRISC test in nursing staff at the Schestakow Hospital in San Rafael, Mendoza

Abstract

Introduction: type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has a great importance for global public health, because it is one of the most frequent non-communicable diseases, due to the severity and diversity of its chronic complications.

Objective: the objective of this study was to determine the risk of developing T2DM in nursing staff of the T. J. Schestakow Hospital, San Rafael.

Material and methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out, a non-probabilistic sample was taken, which included 109 nurses. Nutritional status was assessed through body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). Personal data and data obtained from the FINDRISC test were acquired through a questionnaire administered to nurses.

Results: the risk of developing T2DM according to the Findrisc categories was low in 35.6% (n=41), slightly increased in 39.4% (n=43), moderate in 10.1% (n=11), high and very high risk in 12.9% (n=14). This is strongly influenced by first-degree family history, physical activity, antihypertensive medication, elevated blood glucose, BMI, waist circumference, and age. The consumption of fruits and vegetables was not a determinant of diabetes risk in the studied sample (p>0.05). Regarding WC and BMI, both were moderately to high correlated with the Findrisc score so these indicators were better predictors of the risk of developing diabetes.

Conclusion: the risk of suffering from T2DM is latent and constant, so the use of quick and easy tools for its detection, such as the FINDRISC questionnaire, can help in the prevention and awareness of self-care.