04 September 2025
Syafrijal S.Kom
Hypertension and diabetes are two non-communicable diseases, yet the number of cases continues to increase every year in Indonesia.
These two diseases often show no symptoms in the early stages, so many sufferers only realize they have them after experiencing serious complications such as stroke, kidney failure, heart attack, and even blindness. Lack of public awareness of the importance of early detection and prevention contributes to the increasing prevalence of these diseases. Teachers and educational staff at SMA Negeri 1, Binjai District, Langkat Regency, as a productive age group, are at significant risk of hypertension and diabetes due to unhealthy lifestyles, lack of physical activity, and uncontrolled diets.
Their busy lives as educators often lead to a lack of attention to their own health. The Head of Community Service at the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra (FK USU), Prof. Dr. dr. Rina Amelia MARS, Sp.KKLP, stated that limited information regarding the prevention, early detection, and management of hypertension and diabetes is one of the factors exacerbating these conditions.
"Many individuals don't know how to independently monitor their blood pressure and blood sugar levels, nor what steps to take if test results indicate an abnormality," he said, accompanied by members Prof. Dr. Juliandi Harahap, MA, Sp.KKLP, Dr. Hendri Wijaya, MKed (Ped.), Sp.A.(K), and Dr. Yuki Yunanda, MKes, to Sumut Pos in Medan on Saturday (July 19).
He explained that the community service program was held on Friday, July 18, 2025, at SMA Negeri 1, Binjai District, Langkat Regency, with 50 participants, consisting of teachers, administrative staff, and educational staff.
The Community Service Program (PKM) team was also assisted by several USU Faculty of Medicine students, namely Sri Handayani, Ain Heidi, Jesselyn Tanoto, Michele Adelyn, and Sona Syaifara.
To address these issues, the USU Faculty of Medicine Community Service Team conducted an activity, "Early Detection and Education on Hypertension and Diabetes," for teachers and educational staff at SMA Negeri 1, Binjai District, Langkat Regency. "This program aims to increase their awareness and knowledge of the risk factors and prevention of hypertension and diabetes," he added.
The activities included health screenings, including weight and height checks to assess body mass index (BMI), a risk factor for obesity and a trigger for hypertension and diabetes.
Furthermore, blood pressure checks, random blood sugar checks, and cholesterol checks were provided. Health education included health education on the risk factors and prevention of hypertension and diabetes, including diet and exercise. He hopes that through this activity, teachers and educational staff at SMA Negeri 1, Binjai District, will better understand the importance of early detection and prevention of hypertension and diabetes. Furthermore, they can become agents of change by disseminating health information to students and the surrounding community, thereby creating a more health-conscious environment.
"This Early Detection and Education program on Hypertension and Diabetes provides a significant contribution to teachers and educational staff at SMA Negeri 1, Binjai District, Langkat Regency. Through this activity, they will gain increased awareness and knowledge regarding risk factors and prevention of hypertension and diabetes through diet and exercise," she explained.
Prof. Dr. Rina explained that the education provided not only helps them understand their own health conditions but also provides insight into preventative measures that can be implemented in their daily lives.
"With increased awareness among teachers and educational staff, it is hoped that they can become role models in implementing a healthy lifestyle in the school environment and within their families," she concluded.
