Diabetes and Nutrition: The Role of Nutrition in Blood Glucose Control

Abstract

This work presents the experience of a university extension project aimed at promoting healthy eating habits and preventing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among 5th-grade elementary students at Carmen Rocha Municipal School in Ji-Paraná (RO), Brazil. Given the alarming rise in T2DM among youth, associated with poor diet and physical inactivity, the project was carried out from February to May 2025 by first-semester medical students from São Lucas College, under faculty supervision. The activity consisted of an educational intervention conducted in the school’s computer lab, involving a literature review, development and application of pre- and post-intervention questionnaires, an interactive lecture, and dynamic activities using accessible language and playful visual resources.

The goal was not only to inform but also to encourage students to reflect on their eating habits while respecting the local culture and their socioeconomic realities, often marked by inequality, early work, and limited access to opportunities. Games, regional music, popular expressions, and local everyday examples were used to facilitate understanding and engagement.

The main challenges included adapting technical content to children’s language and raising awareness about the risks of excessive sugar consumption. Data from the questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis, showing a significant increase in students’ understanding of healthy eating and diabetes prevention. As a final product, an illustrative banner was created for presentation at events.

The initiative strengthened the relationship between the university and the community, contributing to the critical development of medical students and the construction of health education that is more connected to students’ realities, with a positive impact seen in the children’s interest in future educational activities.

Keywords: Health. Habits. Nutrition. Glucose.