NERS NEWS — As a form of community service, Group 2 of Class A4, Cohort 2024, from the Bachelor of Nursing Program, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, carried out a Project Based Learning (PjBL) activity titled GEMA GULA (Gerakan Masyarakat Peduli Gula Darah / Community Movement for Blood Sugar Awareness) at the RW 03 Community Hall, Tanah Kali Kedinding Subdistrict, Kenjeran District, Surabaya, on Tuesday (June 9). This activity carried the theme of education on the prevention and control of diabetes mellitus through increasing public knowledge regarding the importance of maintaining blood sugar levels. The program aimed to increase public awareness of diabetes mellitus risk factors and encourage the implementation of healthy lifestyles as an effort to prevent and control non-communicable diseases.
The activity began at 08:00 a.m. with participant registration attended by adults and older adults from RW 03, Tanah Kali Kedinding Subdistrict. The event was then opened by the MC, followed by a prayer and the singing of the Indonesian national anthem, Indonesia Raya, together. Afterwards, remarks were delivered by the Chairperson of the Organizing Committee, Widya Yulianti, and a representative from RW 03 of Tanah Kali Kedinding Subdistrict.
Before entering the educational session, participants first completed a pre-test to measure their initial level of knowledge regarding diabetes mellitus and blood sugar control. The atmosphere of the activity became more interactive through an ice-breaking session consisting of educational games containing questions related to health topics guided by the committee. This activity not only increased participant engagement but also served as a medium for evaluating participants’ understanding. Subsequently, the students delivered educational material using PowerPoint presentations, leaflets, and educational posters discussing the definition of diabetes mellitus, risk factors, signs and symptoms, diabetes complications, recommended daily sugar intake limits, healthy eating patterns, physical activity, and the importance of regular blood sugar checks.
The material presented was an integration of the Adult Nursing, Community Nursing Concepts, and Nursing Information Systems courses. In addition to providing education regarding diabetes mellitus prevention, the students also introduced the concept of “My Plate” (Isi Piringku), the importance of limiting sugar consumption according to health recommendations, and self-care efforts for individuals who have been diagnosed with diabetes.
During the practical session, participants took part in demonstrations and return demonstrations of diabetic foot exercises guided by the students. This activity aimed to increase physical activity while providing simple skills that could be practiced independently at home to help maintain blood circulation and prevent diabetes-related complications.
Participants’ enthusiasm was evident during the question-and-answer session and educational games. Many participants actively asked questions regarding appropriate dietary patterns for people with diabetes, safe limits of sugar consumption, and ways to maintain stable blood sugar levels. The activity then continued with a post-test as an evaluation of participants’ increased knowledge after receiving the educational material.
The next session consisted of awarding prizes to active participants and winners of the educational games. The activity then continued with the presentation of a plaque by the chairperson of the organizing committee to the representative of RW 03, Tanah Kali Kedinding Subdistrict, as a form of appreciation for the support and cooperation provided throughout the implementation of the program. Afterwards, all participants and committee members joined a documentation session together.
As the closing series of activities, the committee organized Random Blood Glucose (RBG) examinations using a digital glucometer for early detection and community health monitoring. The examination results were conveyed directly to participants, accompanied by education regarding result interpretation and recommendations for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Through the GEMA GULA activity, the students hoped that the community would become more aware of the importance of maintaining blood sugar levels, implementing healthy lifestyles, and routinely undergoing health check-ups to prevent and control diabetes mellitus within the community.
Writer: Kistrian Lintang Kalyana Tantri
