Utilising Self-acupressure to Manage Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Control Parameters

In Indonesia, only two-thirds of patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM) are projected to receive both non-pharmacological and pharmaceutical treatment. The majority of patients receiving the medication do not achieve adequate control of DM.

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of self-administered acupressure on type 2 DM (T2DM) management parameters, specifically targeting ST36, LR3, KI3, and SP6 acupuncture points.

This study utilised an experimental research design and included a total of 25 patients with diabetes mellitus from the Gianyar Public Health Centre. Participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. The individuals underwent a 13-week training program to learn self-acupressure techniques targeting certain areas of their bodies, including Zusanli (ST36), Taichong (LR3), Taixi (KI3), and Sanyinjiao (SP6). The control parameters of diabetes mellitus were examined both before and after therapy.

The analysis revealed significant differences in the p-values of various control parameters before and after self-acupressure. Specifically, the p-values for HbA1c, LDL, BMI, systolic pressure, fasting blood glucose, and 2 hours post-prandial glucose were found to be p<0.001, indicating self-acupressure, as a complementary therapy, has an impact on these parameters. However, the p-value for diastolic pressure was 0.57, suggesting that self-acupressure did not have a significant effect on this parameter.

The application of self-acupressure at certain points such as ST36, LR3, Taixi, and SP6 has been proven to effectively reduce the control parameters of diabetes mellitus including HbA1c, LDL, BMI, systolic pressure, and fasting blood glucose levels. It is recommended that those who are enrolled in the complementary traditional health care program in the community provide advice on how to perform self-acupressure in diabetic patients.