Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease with a continuously increasing global prevalence. Psychological stress is known to disrupt glycemic control through the activation of counter-regulatory hormones such as cortisol and catecholamines, which trigger an increase in blood glucose levels. Family support plays an important role as a protective factor in reducing the psychological burden of DM patients. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between stress levels and increased blood glucose levels in hospitalized DM patients, as well as to identify the strategic role of family in supporting patient stress management.
This study employed a cross-sectional design with an analytical observational approach. The sample consisted of 54 type 2 DM patients hospitalized in the Mina Ward of RSU 'Aisyiyah Ponorogo, selected through purposive sampling. Stress levels were measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) questionnaire, while random blood glucose levels were measured using a glucometer. Data analysis used the Chi-Square test with α = 0.05.
The majority of respondents were female (72.2%), of productive age 17–59 years (68.5%), and had been diagnosed with DM for less than 5 years (57.4%). Most patients experienced moderate stress levels (53.7%) and hyperglycemia (55.6%). The Chi-Square test showed a p-value = 0.000 (p < 0.05) with a correlation coefficient of 0.498, indicating a significant and moderately strong relationship between stress levels and increased blood glucose levels.
There is a significant relationship between stress levels and increased blood glucose levels in DM patients at RSU 'Aisyiyah Ponorogo. Therefore, the role of the family is highly strategic in providing emotional support, motivating treatment adherence, and assisting patients in adopting a healthy lifestyle. Active family involvement in the care of DM patients has been shown to reduce stress levels, improve glycemic control, and prevent long-term complications.

Keywords:Diabetes Mellitus, Stress Level, Random Blood Glucose, Perceived Stress Scale, Hyperglycemia