The Effect of Diabetes Gymnastic Exercise on Blood Circulation and Risk of Diabetic Foot Ulcers In Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Abstract

Chronic hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) can give an impact on systemic circulation, such as increasing blood pressure and reducing peripheral circulation. Disruption of blood supply to the tissue can increase risk of diabetic complications, such as hypertension and diabetic foot ulcers. This research aimed to analyze the effect of diabetes gymnastic on blood circulation and risk of diabetic foot ulcers in type 2 diabetic patients. Methods: This research employed randomized control group pretestposttest design. A total of 30 T2DM patients were enrolled in this study by using simple random sampling technique. The sample was divided into 2 groups which consisted of 15 patients as control group and 15 patients as treatment group. The diabetes gymnastic was conducted three times a week with the total of 12 sessions within a month. The posttest measurement of Blood Pressure (BP), Ankle Brachial Index (ABI), and risk of Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFU) was done one hour after the last session. Data were analyzed using dependent t-test and independent t-test (α = 0.05). Results: The result of dependent t-test indicated significant differences of blood circulation before and after intervention either in the intervention group or control group (intervention group: pBP= 0.005, pABI=0.000; control group: pBP=0.039, pABI=0.004). Risk of DFU was also different significantly (intervention group: p=0.000; control group: p= 0.029). However, the decrease of DFU risk was higher in the intervention group than in control group (intervention group: t=4.461; control group: t=2.436). Furthermore, independent t test showed significant differences between intervention and control group on blood circulation and risk of DFU (pBP =0.001; pABI=0.000; pDFU risk=0.047). Conclusion: The results indicated a significant effect of diabetes gymnastic on blood circulation and risk of DFU in type 2 diabetic patients. Nurse is expected to apply diabetes gymnastic as one of interventions to enhance blood glucose control and blood circulation so that diabetic complications can be prevented.