<![CDATA[Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease and one of the leading non-communicable diseases contributing to morbidity and mortality worldwide, with an estimated 589 million adults affected globally in 2024 and a projected rise to 853 million by 2050. In South Aceh Regency, the number of DM cases reached 1,575 people in 2025, with Ladang Baro Village in Meukek District recording 56 cases among 840 health-facility visits, an increase from previous years. Limited community knowledge about DM symptoms, risk factors, and the importance of early detection, combined with restricted access to screening tools and limited cadre skills, were identified as the main problems faced by the partner community. This community service program aimed to increase the knowledge of the community and health cadres regarding DM and to build cadre skills in performing early detection through simple blood glucose measurement. The activity was carried out on June 20, 2026, in Ladang Baro Village, involving 64 participants, consisting of 64 productive-age community members (45-65 years) and 4 health cadres, using lecture, discussion, and demonstration methods supported by power point media, leaflets, and hands-on training with a glucometer. Knowledge was assessed using a pre-test and post-test questionnaire. The results showed that the proportion of participants with good knowledge increased from 11% before the intervention to 55% afterward, while the proportion with poor knowledge decreased from 61% to 0%. These findings indicate that community-based education combined with cadre skills training is effective in improving knowledge and readiness for DM early detection at the village level.]]>
