EFFECTIVENESS OF DIABETIC FOOT EXERCISE ON BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS AMONG PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS: A QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Abstrak

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia caused by impaired insulin production, decreased insulin sensitivity, or both. Poor glycemic control may lead to various serious complications. Physical activity is an essential component of diabetes management, and diabetic foot exercise has emerged as a simple, inexpensive, and easily implemented intervention. Nevertheless, evidence supporting its effectiveness remains limited. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of diabetic foot exercise on blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes mellitus. Methods: A quasi-experimental study using a pretest–posttest control group design was conducted among 40 patients with DM at Wawonasa Community Health Center, Manado, Indonesia. Participants were divided into an intervention group and a control group, each consisting of 20 individuals. The intervention group performed diabetic foot exercises for four weeks, while the control group received routine care. Results: Blood glucose levels decreased significantly in the intervention group (p<0.001), whereas no significant change was found in the control group (p=0.059). The reduction in blood glucose levels was significantly greater among participants who performed diabetic foot exercises (p=0.044). Conclusion: Diabetic foot exercise is an effective, safe, and low-cost strategy for improving glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus.