Introduction:

Diabetes Mellitus can cause numerous chronic complications over time. Among them, diabetic neuropathy stands out, which comprises a set of diseases that affect the nerve fibers. This study aims to describe the degree of risk of the feet of people with Diabetes Mellitus who use insulin, living in a neighborhood in the urban area of Pelotas, RS.

Materials and methods:

This is a descriptive quantitative study. Data collection took place in the northern part of the city of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul. Data collection was carried out at the participants' homes, between May and June 2017, with the participation of 39 people with feet with Diabetes Mellitus neuropathy.

Results:

Respondents had predominantly type 2 diabetes, accounting for 89.7%, with the time since diagnosis, with a minimum of 3 years, up to 40 years of disease evolution. Regarding the assessment of diabetic neuropathy, 43.6% present pain when walking. Numbness and loss of sensation was mentioned by 41%.

Conclusions:

It was possible to list the degree of risk for complications in the feet of users with Diabetes Mellitus, this finding demonstrates the importance that health teams have in preventing diseases, as well as in promoting health, avoiding ulcerations and subsequent amputations.

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