Perceptions of people with diabetes mellitus about the disease and its complications

Objective: to verify the perceptions of people with diabetes mellitus about the disease and its complications in a treatment center for diabetics in the city of Belém, State of Pará. Method: descriptive, exploratory study with a qualitative approach, developed in a non-governmental organization in Belém , State of Pará, Brazil, from September to October 2018. The sample consisted of five users attended at the non-governmental organization “Casa do Diabético”, through semi-structured interview. Semi-structured interviews were used as a data collection technique, having as an instrument for collection an interview script prepared with open questions, and for analysis, the methodological framework proposed by Bardin.Results: it was shown that people with diabetes mellitus react and faced the disease in multiple ways, some needing psychological support, others in a more positive way, accept the limitations imposed by the disease. Despite the way of coping, everyone tried to adapt to the lifestyle changes necessary to achieve better health conditions. Regardless of the way of coping, the speeches allowed to verify the awareness about the importance of changing eating habits, the practice of physical exercises, as well as the correct use of medications or insulin therapy, aiming at the control of blood glucose, thus avoiding the possible complications arising disease.Conclusion: it is extremely important that nursing professionals dedicate themselves to providing the correct care to people living with diabetes mellitus, performing a continuous process with regard to health education actions, encouraging good health practices, changes in style of life and self-care.