The Effect of Peer Support Groups on Blood Sugar Levels in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus at Pratama Medika Husada Clinic, Mojokerto City

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease requiring ongoing management to prevent complications. One non-pharmacological approach is the Peer Support Group, which utilizes mutual support among fellow patients to assist in blood sugar management. This study aimed to analyze the effect of a Peer Support Group on fasting blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes mellitus at the Pratama Medika Husada Clinic in Mojokerto City. A quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group arrangement was employed. The sample consisted of 36 respondents selected via purposive sampling, divided into an intervention group (n=18) and a control group (n=18). Fasting blood sugar levels were measured using a glucometer and analyzed using the Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests. The results showed a significant difference before and after the intervention in the intervention group (p=0.000), whereas the change in the control group was not significant (p=0.265). The comparison between the two groups at the second measurement was also not significant (p=0.728). In conclusion, the Peer Support Group was effective in lowering fasting blood sugar levels in the intervention group.