dr. Linda Soebroto, Sp.P., a Pulmonology Specialist at UNS Hospital, moderated the session along with two expert speakers:

• Dr. Hendrastutik Apriningsih, dr., Sp.P (K), M.Kes., FISR, Pulmonology Consultant at UNS Hospital.
• dr. Berty Denny Hermawati, Sp.PD., FINASIM, Internal Medicine Specialist at UNS Hospital.

Both specialists provided in-depth insights into TB and DM, covering their causes, symptoms, and preventive measures.

Understanding Tuberculosis (TB)

Dr. Hendrastutik explained that Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes tuberculosis, a bacterial infection. The public commonly refers to this disease as ‘lung spots. While it primarily affects the lungs, it can also spread to other organs such as the bones, kidneys, and brain.

“Indonesia has the second-highest TB cases in the world after India. Public awareness is crucial to enable early detection and immediate treatment,” she emphasized.

She also clarified a common misconception. People do not inherit TB, instead, they contract it through droplets from coughing or sneezing. Vulnerable groups include children under five, whose immune systems are still developing, as well as the elderly over 60. Additionally, individuals with comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, and HIV are more susceptible due to weakened immunity.

Diabetes Mellitus: Causes and Prevention

dr. Berty highlighted that diabetes mellitus, often called ‘kencing manis,’ is a metabolic disorder that causes high blood sugar levels. It occurs due to insufficient insulin production, impaired insulin function, or both.

“Unlike TB, diabetes is not contagious. However, genetics plays a significant role. Research indicates that close family members have a 30% chance of developing DM. Children of two diabetic parents face a 50% risk,” she explained.

Lifestyle choices greatly influence the risk of diabetes. Poor dietary habits combined with a lack of physical activity contribute significantly to its onset. To prevent diabetes, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential. Some key recommendations include:

• Eating a balanced and nutritious diet.
• Exercising regularly.
• Maintaining proper hygiene and health routines.
• Managing comorbidities effectively through regular check-ups and medication adherence.

By adopting these habits, individuals can strengthen their immune systems and reduce the risk of both TB and diabetes mellitus.

This Healthy Dialogue session provided valuable insights into TB and DM. It encouraged the public to be more proactive about their health. People can effectively manage these diseases through early detection, proper treatment, and a healthier lifestyle. UNS Hospital remains committed to raising awareness and promoting better healthcare for the community.

Humas UNS
Reporter: Dikky Yudi Pradana
Editor: Dwi Hastuti

The post UNS Hospital Hosts “Healthy Dialogue” on Tuberculosis and Diabetes Mellitus appeared first on Universitas Sebelas Maret.

Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta Hospital Consultant Lung Specialist, dr. Hendrastutik Apriningsih, Sp.P(K), M.Kes., stated that TB usually attacks children and older people because of their vulnerable immune systems. However, dr. Hendrastutik confirmed that TB could affect university students, and there are many risk factors for such infections.

“TB cases are extensive and prevalent. The first (group) is older people with comorbidities or congenital diseases, such as diabetes and cancer. Secondly, young people. It is quite a significant number,” dr. Hendrastutik stated.

Environment and habits are two main causes of university students getting infected by TB. Students who are exhausted from their classes usually forget to eat, which leads to a weakened immune system. Passive smokers are also highly vulnerable to TB bacteria because passive smokers usually have weak immune systems.

University students also often interact with many people who could have an active TB infection. Thus, increasing the risk factors for TB infection for university students.

When a student has a weak immune system, exposure to TB bacteria could directly bring active TB infection with the symptoms of cough with phlegm, coughing up blood, chest pain, shortness of breath, and fever for more than two weeks.

If these symptoms occur, students are suggested to get checked by a lung specialist, who could diagnose them and offer an x-ray check-up. If the x-ray results indicate TB infection, the patient should undergo at least six months of treatment.

“TB bacteria are smart. (Thus,) minimum treatment of six months. Without this treatment, the bacteria will become drug-resistant. So, the patient cannot be treated using the standard TB meds, requiring longer treatment,” dr. Hendrastutik stated.

During their treatment, TB patients should take their medicines every day without fail. Failure to perform such diligence could lead to drug-resistant bacteria and worsened organ failure caused by TB infection. Therefore, students with TB symptoms are urged to get themselves checked by a physician. Humas UNS

Reporter: Ida Fitriyah
Editor: Dwi Hastuti

The post Is it True that University Students Have Risk Factors for Tuberculosis? appeared first on Universitas Sebelas Maret.