Commemorating Haornas, FIKK Holds Nutrition Education and Healthy Lifestyle to Prevent Diabetes
Unesa.ac.id, SURABAYA-Balanced nutrition determines the quality of one's health. For this reason, education about nutrition needs to be intensified as done by the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences (FIKK), Surabaya State University (UNESA).
FIKK held a nutrition education in the framework of the 41st National Sports Day (Haornas) in 2024 at the FIKK Auditorium, Campus 2 Lidah Wetan, on Saturday, September 21, 2024. This activity was themed “Optimal Diet to Optimize Physical and Mental Health.”
A series of nutrition experts attended as speakers; Dr. Bella Saphira Evani from Health Educator Sobat Diabet PT Nutrifood Indonesia; Priscillia Zefanya Pandjaitan, S.Gz from Brand Development PT Lautan Natural Krimerindo; and Chef Linda Wati Turnip, Chef Manager PT Lautan Natural Krimerindo.
The chief executive of FIKK's 41st Haornas series, Indra Himawan Susanto said that this activity is very important, considering the high number of diabetics in recent years in Indonesia.
If in the past it was mostly only the elderly who developed diabetes, now many children and adolescents also have diabetes. Even sportsmen can also contract diabetes, because athletes are also included in the vulnerable category.
He added that diabetes that began to attack all circles indiscriminately, both young and old, both athletes and non-athletes was caused by a diet and lifestyle that was not optimal.
“From this activity, FIKK students are expected to be more concerned about optimal diet and lifestyle. In addition, students are expected to be able to create healthy and nutritious food for all groups from children to the elderly,” he said.
Diabetes and Prevention
Bella Saphira's presentation on the symptoms and management of diabetes revealed that diabetes triggers various serious diseases such as blindness, heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are too high. This can be caused by two factors; lack of insulin production or the insulin produced does not work properly, known as insulin resistance.
Based on WHO data in 2015, he explained, 1 in 10 people suffer from diabetes, and it is estimated that by 2040 the number will increase to 2 in 10 people.
Meanwhile, according to data from the International Diabetes Federation in 2021, Indonesia is ranked 5th with the highest number of people with diabetes, and it is predicted that it will remain in that rank until 2045.
In Indonesia, he explained, around 20 million people suffer from diabetes. However, 86% of them do not realize that they have this disease. Of those diagnosed, 70% are uncontrolled. In addition, 25% of diabetes cases affect people under the age of 45.
The main risk factors for diabetes include age, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and family history. Women who have experienced diabetes during pregnancy or gave birth to a baby weighing more than 4 kg are also at risk of developing diabetes.
Classic symptoms of diabetes, explains Bella Saphira, include frequent urination, frequent thirst, and frequent hunger, but weight loss for no apparent reason. Diabetes prevention includes regular check-ups, maintaining a healthy diet, and exercising at least 150 minutes per week, with regular aerobic and weight training.
“Control blood sugar with a healthy diet and regular physical activity to prevent diabetes,” he emphasized.
The Importance of Diet
Priscillia Zefanya explains more about nutritious food as the key to maintaining a healthy body, especially for those who are physically active.
She said that a balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and protein is essential to support the body's functions and boost energy.
A healthy diet also needs to be accompanied by adequate fluid intake, especially water. Consumption of foods such as carbohydrates, proteins, vegetables, and fruits should be prioritized, while sugar, salt, and fat are consumed in limited amounts.
It is important to remember, adds Zefanya, that half of the dinner plate should be filled with vegetables and fruits, while the other half contains proteins and carbohydrates. No need to choose expensive ingredients, local vegetables and fruits can also be a good choice to fulfill nutritional needs.
“A healthy and balanced diet is the basis of health and fitness,” she said.
In addition to the explanation of the risk of diabetes and optimal diet, in this activity students also had the opportunity to check blood sugar levels, those present were also invited to witness firsthand the process of making a balanced nutritious menu demonstrated by Chef Linda Wati Turnip. The food preparation made was wrapped chicken salad, and the drink was creamy dragon fruit juice. (*)
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Reporter: Saputra (FBS)
Editor: @zam*
Photo: UNESA HUMAS Team
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