Dynamics of disability indices and professional rehabilitation of diabetes patients

Introduction: The article presents results of the study about dynamics of disability indicators due to diabetes mellitus and their peculiarities in Dnipropetrovsk region and in Ukraine and presents recommendations for the professional rehabilitation of such patients and persons with disabilities. Material and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the dynamics of DM disability according to the data of the Municipal Institution “Regional Clinical Center of Medical and Social Expertise of Dnipropetrovsk Regional Council” and in Ukraine for the period 2016–2019. We analyzed medico-social cases and referrals for medical and social expertise of patients who were examined by doctors of regional specialized medical and social commissions evaluating patients' disability. Results: It was determined that the most common reasons for referral of patients with medical expertise were: insufficient glycemic control with the formation of chronic foot ulcers, which led to disorders of the feet musculoskeletal functions - 37.6%; lower limb amputation at different levels - 21.8%; impaired vision - 40.6%. Indicators of disability due to diabetes in Dnipropetrovsk region was stable in 2014-2019, but raised the average level of disability in Ukraine and ranges from 1.5 - 1.7 per 10 thousand population in 2014 vs 1.4-1.5 per 10 thousand in 2019. Persons with 3rd group disability made the largest part among persons with primary disability due to diabetes in 2014-2019: specific gravity ranged from 57.0% in 2018 to 70.5% in 2014. The unfavorable tendency of disability indicators is characterized by an increase of persons who were initially recognized as having disability due to DM with 1st group disability by 2 times from 6.6% - in 2014 to 12.9 - in 2018. Conclusion: This can be explained by the increased number of DM complications and their severity. The indicator of total rehabilitation among of persons who were initially recognized as having disability due to DM in Dnipropetrovsk region in 2014-2019 does not exceed 3%.