The Effect of Spiritually-Based Acupressure Modification on Blood Sugar and Stress in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus at the Pekanbaru Health Centre

Abstract

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease with rising prevalence, including in Pekanbaru, where the Garuda Health Centre reports the highest cases. Beyond blood sugar control, DM patients often experience stress due to long-term therapy and complication risks. Complementary therapies such as acupressure and spiritual approaches (dhikr) may help reduce stress and improve glycemic regulation. Objective: To determine the effect of spirituality-based acupressure modification on blood sugar and stress levels in type 2 DM patients at the Garuda Pekanbaru Health Centre. Methods: A quasi-experimental study with a non-equivalent control group design was conducted on 42 patients (21 intervention, 21 control) selected by purposive sampling. Stress was measured using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS), and blood sugar levels were measured using a glucometer. The intervention combined dhikr and acupressure therapy administered for three days. Data were analyzed using Independent t-test and Linear Mixed Model. Results: Before the intervention, no significant difference was found in blood sugar levels (p=0.617), while stress levels differed significantly (p<0.001). After the intervention, the intervention group showed a significant reduction in stress (p=0.030) and blood sugar levels (p=0.027) compared to controls. Linear Mixed Model analysis confirmed significant time×group interactions for both stress (p<0.001) and blood sugar (p<0.001), indicating greater decreases in the intervention group. Conclusion: Spirituality-based acupressure modification effectively reduces stress and blood sugar levels in type 2 DM patients, suggesting its potential as a holistic, affordable, non-pharmacological therapy in healthcare practice.

Keywords:       Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Acupressure, Dhikr, Spiritual, Stress, Blood Sugar