A team of lecturers from the USU Faculty of Medicine conducted a Community Service activity on Friday, July 18, 2025, at SMA Negeri 1, Binjai District, Langkat Regency, as a form of implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, with the theme "Early Detection and Education on Hypertension and Diabetes."
The activity was attended by 50 people, consisting of teachers, administrative staff, and educational staff. The Community Service was chaired by Prof. Dr. dr. Rina Amelia, MARS., Sp.KKLP., and included Prof. Dr. dr. Juliandi Harahap, MA., Sp.KKLP., Dr. Hendri Wijaya, M.Ked(Ped)., Sp.A(K)., and Dr. Yuki Yunanda, M.Kes. USU Faculty of Medicine students also participated in the activity: Sri Handayani, Ain Heidi, Jesselyn Tanoto, Michele Adelyn, and Sona Syaifara.
This community service program discussed two non-communicable diseases: hypertension and diabetes. Although non-communicable, the incidence of these two diseases has been increasing significantly each year in Indonesia. These diseases often show no symptoms in the early stages, so many sufferers only realize they have them after experiencing serious complications such as stroke, kidney failure, heart attack, and even blindness.
Prof. Rina Amelia stated that limited information regarding the prevention, early detection, and management of hypertension and diabetes is one factor that can exacerbate these conditions.
"Many people don't know how to check their blood pressure and blood sugar levels independently, or what steps to take if the test results indicate abnormal conditions. The busyness of carrying out tasks often leads to a lack of attention to one's health," she said.
The activities included health screenings, namely weight and height checks to assess body mass index (BMI), a risk factor for obesity and a trigger for hypertension and diabetes.
Then, blood pressure, random blood sugar, and cholesterol checks were provided, as well as health education on risk factors and prevention of hypertension and diabetes, including diet and exercise.
"This community service activity aims to increase awareness and knowledge about risk factors and prevention methods for hypertension and diabetes," added Prof. Rina.