The Relationship Between Eating Patterns and Blood Sugar Levels in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in the Working Area of Amurang Barat Public Health Center, South Minahasa Regency

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a prevalent chronic metabolic disorder marked by elevated blood glucose levels due to prolonged glucose intolerance. This condition is often linked to severe complications, including cardiovascular issues, nerve damage, and kidney dysfunction. In Indonesia, the incidence of type 2 diabetes continues to grow, reaching 8.6% of the total population, making it a significant public health concern. Dietary habits play a vital role in managing type 2 diabetes, as excessive consumption of fat, salt, and sugar can exacerbate the condition. This study aimed to examine the relationship between dietary behavior and blood glucose levels among patients with type 2 diabetes in the Amurang Barat Health Center area. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, involving 78 individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Data collection included demographic information, knowledge of healthy eating, and attitudes and practices related to diet management. The analysis revealed that although most participants demonstrated good knowledge regarding healthy diets, this was not consistently reflected in their daily practices. The Spearman’s rho correlation test showed a significant relationship between knowledge, attitude, dietary practices, and blood sugar levels (p = 0.001; p < 0.05), highlighting the importance of consistent implementation of healthy dietary habits in effective diabetes management.