Keywords
Risk Factors
Diabetic Complications
Geographic Distribution
Indigenous Populations
Primary Health Care
How to Cite
Abstract
Context: Diabetes mellitus is a highly prevalent chronic disease that leads to multiple complications, which impair quality of life and significantly impact health systems. Its progression is influenced by factors such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. However, the geographic distribution of these factors and their relationship with complications—particularly in Indigenous communities such as the Pastos and Quillacingas peoples—has been poorly studied.
Objective: To identify the predominant risk factors in regions served by the Indigenous Health Provider (I.P.S.) Mallamas and analyze their association with the prevalence of diabetic complications.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Indigenous Pastos and Quillacingas patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus and treated by the I.P.S. Mallamas. Clinical data, including body mass index, blood pressure, glucose, lipid profile, and the presence of complications, were collected. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were applied to evaluate associations.
Results: A total of 609 patients were evaluated (mean age: 64.9 ± 12.3 years; 68.1% were women). Hypertension was present in 60.4% of patients and was more frequent in rural areas (63.4%) than in urban areas (59.8%). Diabetic complications were more frequent in rural areas (4.5%) than in urban areas (1.6%). Systolic blood pressure showed a significant association with these complications (OR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.005–1.09).
Conclusions: There are territorial differences in risk factors and diabetic complications. Hypertension and the rural environment are associated with higher prevalence, highlighting the need for differentiated preventive strategies for these communities.
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