The Effect of Slow Stroke Back Massage (SSBM) on Reducing Blood Glucose Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia due to insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion. Uncontrolled blood glucose levels may lead to various complications. Slow Stroke Back Massage (SSBM) is a complementary therapy that provides relaxation effects and may help reduce blood glucose levels. To determine the effect of Slow Stroke Back Massage (SSBM) on reducing blood glucose levels among patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the working area of Jembatan Kecil Public Health Center, Bengkulu City. This study used a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group approach. The sample consisted of 42 respondents, divided into 21 respondents in the intervention group and 21 respondents in the control group. The intervention group received Slow Stroke Back Massage (SSBM), while the control group received diabetic foot exercise. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test and Mann–Whitney Test.The average blood glucose level in the intervention group decreased from 277.10 mg/dL before the intervention to 259.00 mg/dL after the intervention. In the control group, the average blood glucose level decreased from 298.00 mg/dL to 283.00 mg/dL. The Wilcoxon test results showed significant differences before and after the intervention in both the intervention group (p = 0.001) and the control group (p = 0.002). The Mann–Whitney test showed a p-value of 0.003, indicating a significant effect of SSBM on blood glucose reduction. Slow Stroke Back Massage (SSBM) has a significant effect on reducing blood glucose levels in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and can be used as a complementary nursing intervention. Keywords : Blood Glucose Level, Diabetes Mellitus Type 2, Slow Stroke Back Massage .