EARLY THERAPEUTIC IMPACT OF ACUPUNCTURE ON BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS IN ELDERLY WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

Abstract

The global prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus continues to rise, with projections indicating that by 2045, 12.3% of the world's population will be affected. In Indonesia, the 2018 Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) reported that the highest prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus in Bali Province occurs among the elderly population. Management of Diabetes Mellitus encompasses not only conventional medical treatment but also complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), such as acupuncture, which has been widely used due to its minimal side effects when administered by qualified practitioners. Previous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of acupuncture in lowering blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. However, limited research has explored the immediate effects of a single acupuncture session. This study aims to examine the direct impact of single-session acupuncture therapy on random blood glucose levels in elderly patients with Diabetes Mellitus in Melinggih Village, Gianyar Regency, Bali. A quasi-experimental, one-group pretest-post test design was employed. All elderly participants diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus underwent measurement of random blood glucose levels before and after receiving a single 25-minute acupuncture treatment at points ST36 and SP6. The results showed a statistically significant decrease in random blood glucose levels following the therapy (p < 0.05) indicating that acupuncture may serve as an effective supportive therapy for glycemic control in elderly diabetic patients.