Background Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels due to insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production. Globally, its prevalence is rising at an alarming rate, largely driven by sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy dietary habits, and increasing obesity rates. The International Diabetes Federation (2021) reported that approximately 536.6 million adults aged 20–79 live with diabetes, a figure projected to reach 783.2 million by 2045. Indonesia ranks fifth globally, with an estimated 19.5 million cases, expected to grow to 28.6 million by 2045. Early detection and preventive interventions for at-risk populations are critical to reducing disease incidence and related complications. Physical activity is a key non-pharmacological strategy proven to improve insulin sensitivity, enhance glucose uptake by skeletal muscles, and regulate blood sugar levels. High-intensity activities such as volleyball can stimulate glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT-4) translocation in muscle cells, enabling insulin-independent glucose uptake. Moreover, volleyball offers additional psychosocial benefits, such as increased motivation and social engagement, which may support long-term adherence to exercise routines. Given its accessibility and popularity, volleyball presents a promising, community-friendly intervention to help control blood glucose levels and mitigate the risk of T2DM progression in at-risk groups.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of volleyball exercise on random blood glucose (RBG) levels in individuals at risk for T2DM.
Methods: A quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test control groups was used. Sixty participants were selected through convenience sampling and equally assigned to intervention and control groups (n=30 each). The intervention group performed volleyball exercises for 30 minutes, twice a week, over two weeks, while the control group received no intervention. RBG levels were measured before and after the intervention using a glucometer. Data were analyzed using parametric and non-parametric statistical tests according to data distribution.
Results: Sixty participants were equally divided into intervention and control groups. At baseline, no significant difference in random blood glucose (RBG) levels was observed between groups (p > 0.05). After two weeks of volleyball exercise (30 minutes, twice weekly), the intervention group showed a significant reduction in mean RBG levels (p < 0.05), while the control group exhibited no significant change. Post-test comparisons
Original Article
revealed a statistically significant difference between groups (p < 0.05), with the intervention group having lower RBG values. These results indicate that short-term volleyball activity effectively reduces RBG levels in individuals at risk for T2DM.
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