Dificuldades enfrentadas por pessoas com diabetes mellitus na autoadministração de insulina: revisão de escopo

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is defined as a metabolic disorder of heterogeneous etiologies, characterized by hyperglycemia and impaired metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats resulting from defects in insulin secretion and/or action. Proper insulin administration, combined with continuous professional monitoring, is essential for glycemic control, reducing the risk of complications, and promoting quality of life. Objective: To map scientific evidence regarding the difficulties faced by individuals with Diabetes Mellitus in the self-administration of insulin. Methods: This is a scoping review conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) framework, which comprises five stages: defining the research question, identifying and selecting relevant studies, analyzing, and synthesizing the data. The guiding question was developed using the PCC strategy (Population, Concept, and Context), defined as follows: P = people with diabetes; C = difficulties in self-administration; and C = insulin. The search strategy was carried out in July 2025 across the following databases: Virtual Health Library (VHL), Nursing Database (BDENF), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) via PubMed, and SCOPUS. Only primary studies available in Portuguese, English, or Spanish were included. The descriptors were selected from the DeCS and MeSH vocabularies, combined using the Boolean operators “AND” and “OR.” Data extraction was performed using a specific extraction tool designed for the study’s key questions, namely: study objectives and main reported difficulties. Results: After analysis, 20 articles were included, with a higher prevalence of publications in the Years 2012, 2019, and 2015. Most studies employed a cross-sectional design, followed by descriptive and sectional studies with a quantitative approach. A total of 11 difficulties related to insulin handling were identified, the most frequently reported being fear of self-injection, bruising at the injection site, and difficulty recognizing hypo- or hyperglycemia using a glucometer. Conclusion: Addressing the challenges related to insulin therapy requires a multidisciplinary and humanized approach that considers not only technical aspects but also emotional and sociocultural factors that influence diabetes management.