ABSTRACT
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SUGAR CONSUMPTION LEVELS AND
THE RISK OF DIABETES MELLITUS IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AGE
CHILDREN AT SDN 1 PLUNTURAN PULUNG DISTRICT PONOROGO REGENCY
Endra Bagus Hanafi
Bachelor of Nursing Study Program Faculty of Health Sciences Muhammadiyah University Ponorogo endrabagushanafi@gmail.com

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by elevated blood glucose levels due to impaired insulin production or function. The prevalence of DM in Indonesia continues to rise, including among children, driven by highsugar diets, obesity, and physical inactivity. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between sugar consumption levels and the risk of DM among elementary school children at SD Negeri 1 Plunturan. A cross-sectional design was employed with a total of 43 students selected through total sampling. Sugar consumption data were collected using the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), while DM risk was assessed using the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC). Data were analyzed using Spearman’s rho correlation test. The results showed that all respondents had sugar consumption levels in the moderate (42%) to high (58%) categories, and DM risk in the moderate (63%) to high (37%) categories. Statistical analysis revealed a very strong and significant relationship between sugar consumption and DM risk (r = 0.810; p < 0.001), indicating that higher sugar consumption is associated with a higher risk of DM. It is concluded that early interventions, such as nutrition education, limiting sugar intake, and increasing physical activity, are necessary to prevent DM in children.
Keywords: sugar consumption, diabetes mellitus risk, elementary school children, cross-sectional