OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with type 2 diabetes (DM2) in users of the Family Health Strategy (FHS) in the city of Itapipoca, Ceará (Brazil). METHODS: A transversal study, conducted during the period from March/2009 to October/2010, in 11 basic health units, in which sociodemographic and clinical data were collected from a sample of 419 users of these units. RESULTS: Among the study participants, 250 (59.7%) were overweight, 352 (84.0%) had central obesity, 349 (83.3%) were sedentary, and 225 (53.7%) did not eat fruits and/or vegetables daily. There was a statistically significant association between central obesity and gender variables (p <0.001), age (p = 0.001) and marital status (p <0.001), and between nutrition research and education (p = 0.033) and socioeconomic status (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Because modifiable risk factors for DM2 were identified with a higher prevalence, we suggest the development of educational interventions for changes in the lifestyles of individuals and systematic monitoring of these changes, with the objective of reducing or delaying the onset of the disease.
Risk factors; Diabetes mellitus, type 2; Public health nursing; Family health
