TRANSFORMING HEALTHY LIFESTYLES FOR THE PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF DIABETES MELLITUS

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease with an increasing prevalence, requiring control strategies through promotive, preventive, and healthy lifestyle interventions. Community-based programs involving health education, physical activity, and healthy dietary practices have been proven effective in raising public awareness.

Objective: This community service program aimed to enhance public awareness and capacity in adopting a healthy lifestyle as an effort to control diabetes mellitus.

Methods: The activities included demonstrations on preparing infused water, diabetic foot exercise, health screening (blood glucose measurement), and health education about DM. The target population was the residents of RW 07 in Bangetayu Wetan Village. Evaluation was conducted by comparing pre- and post-intervention results in terms of knowledge, attitudes, practices, and blood glucose levels.

Results: The program demonstrated significant improvements across several aspects. The proportion of participants with good knowledge increased from 5.1% to 80.1%. Positive attitudes toward healthy lifestyles rose from 7% to 62.5%. Healthy practices in the good category improved from 18.4% to 72.5%. Furthermore, there was a tendency toward decreased blood glucose levels among participants after the intervention.

Conclusion: Community service programs promoting healthy lifestyles through education, physical activity, and functional beverages effectively improved knowledge, attitudes, and practices in diabetes mellitus control. A participatory and sustainable approach is recommended as an effective strategy to prevent DM complications at the community level.