NERS NEWS — Nursing Profession students of Kenjeran Group 3 conducted a health education activity with the theme “Exploring the Myths and Facts About Diabetes” at Kenjeran Community Health Center. This activity was one form of the students’ efforts to increase public knowledge and awareness about diabetes mellitus, particularly in distinguishing correct information from myths that are still circulating in the community. Through this activity, the community is expected to gain a better understanding of diabetes and adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors to prevent and control the disease..
During the health education activity, the students explained the definition of diabetes mellitus, risk factors, signs and symptoms, prevention, and the importance of undergoing regular health check-ups. The material was delivered in simple and interactive language so that the community could more easily understand the information provided. In addition to delivering the material, the activity also provided an opportunity for the community to discuss and ask various questions about diabetes that they have encountered in their daily lives.
One of the main topics discussed during this activity was clarifying various myths about diabetes. The students explained that diabetes is not only caused by consuming sweet foods or drinks. The risk of diabetes can be influenced by various factors, such as an unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, excess body weight, hereditary factors, age, and certain health conditions. The community was also given an understanding that people with diabetes can still consume various types of food by paying attention to the type, amount, and schedule of meals according to their needs and the recommendations of healthcare professionals.
The students also emphasized the importance of recognizing diabetes at an early stage. Uncontrolled diabetes over the long term can increase the risk of complications that may affect various organs of the body. Therefore, the community is encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle by consuming a balanced nutritious diet, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and regularly checking blood glucose levels. If there are complaints or abnormal examination results, the community is expected to immediately consult healthcare professionals.
This activity also encouraged the community to be wiser in receiving health information. The students reminded the community not to easily believe information about diabetes that has not been proven to be accurate, especially information circulating through social media or from unclear sources. Health information should be obtained from trusted sources and discussed with healthcare professionals so that the community does not take actions that could instead endanger their health.
The implementation of the “Exploring the Myths and Facts About Diabetes” education activity also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 on Good Health and Well-Being through increasing public awareness in preventing and controlling non-communicable diseases. This activity is also related to SDG 4 on Quality Education through the provision of health education to the community and SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals through collaboration between Nursing Profession students, Kenjeran Community Health Center, and the community.
Through this activity, Nursing Profession students of Kenjeran Group 3 hope that the community will better understand the correct facts about diabetes and no longer be influenced by various misconceptions. Increased knowledge is expected to encourage the community to take preventive measures from an early stage, adopt a healthy lifestyle, and make optimal use of healthcare facilities. This activity is one form of contribution by nursing students to improving health literacy and supporting the realization of a healthy and prosperous community.
Writer: Intan Iswara
