Knowledge of Physiotherapist about Physical Therapy Treatment of Diabetes Complications

Abstract

Definition of the term diabetes mellitus covers a group of metabolic diseases characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. According to the latest 2016 data from the WHO, 422 million adults are living with diabetes mellitus. Diabetes prevalence is increasing rapidly, because physical inactivity and overweight are risk factors who are increasing too. Complications from diabetes mellitus can be treated with physical modalities. The aim of our research was to assess the knowledge of physiotherapists for treatment of complications from diabetes mellitus with physical medicine.

Material and method: We have designed special questionnaire with 30 questions to assess, knowledge for treatment of diabetic food, diabetic ulcer, amputation, and diabetic neuropathy. The data was collected electronically by email. The knowledge was assessed with score: 0-25% poor, 26-50% fair, 51-75%good, 76- 100 % excellent.

Results: Physiotherapist have had an average score of 40% of the total knowledge, the lowest was about effect of light therapy on diabetic ulcers and treatment of diabetic neuropathy.

Discussion: Treatment of diabetes with insulin, is standard in medicine. Physical medicine has important role in prevention of diabetes, with promotion of physical activity. Complications of diabetes decrease quality of life, with many complications affecting circulation, nerves and bones. Researchers are looking for new ways of non-pharmacological treatment of complications.

Conclusion: Our medical staff have had, fair knowledge about effect of physical modalities in treatment of complications from diabetes mellitus. Future lectures must contain more attention about this health problem.

Keywords: diabetes mellitus, knowledge, physical medicine modalities