On Thursday, June 30, 2022, the Faculty of Public Health (FPH) of the Universitas Indonesia (UI) held an online open session for the promotion of the Doctor of Epidemiology by promovendus Erni Yusnita Lalusu. Erni defended her dissertation with the title “The Effect of Multi-Micro Nutrient Supplements since the Preconception Period on Blood Glucose Levels during Pregnancy in Banggai Regency”. The session was chaired by Prof. drg. Nurhayati A.P., M.P.H., M.Sc., Sc.D., with the promoter Prof. Dr. dr. Ratna Djuwita Hatma, M.P.H., and co-promoter Prof. dr. Mondastri Korib Sudaryo, M.S., D.Sc., and Prof. Dr.dr. Dwiana Ocviyanti, Sp.OG(K)., M.P.H. The board of examiners in this open session was Prof. Dr. dr. Pradana Soewondo, Sp.PD-KEMD.; Prof. dr. Endang L. Achadi, M.P.H., Dr.PH.; Dr. Besral, S.K.M., M.Sc.; Dr. Drs. Foresters, M.Sc., and Dr. dr. Anang S. Otoluwa, M.P.P.M.
Erni Yusnita Lalusu’s dissertation explained the role of Multiple Micronutrients Suplemen (MMS) supplements in controlling the increase in blood glucose levels of pregnant women at the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. It is stated that physiologically, blood glucose levels will increase along with increasing gestational age. Where there is an increase in the size of the placenta and the secretion of growth hormone, progesterone, prolactin, estrogen, and placental lactogen which will affect the sensitivity and secretion of hormones and beta cells of pregnant women. “This decline in insulin sensitivity begins at around 20-24 weeks of gestation. The provision of this multi-micronutrient supplement is expected to be able to control the increase in blood glucose levels during pregnancy, especially at the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy,” explained Erni at the presentation of her dissertation summary.
In this quasi-experimental study, Erni involved three groups of pregnant women, namely pregnant women who were given MMS from the preconception period to the end of pregnancy, pregnant women who were given MMS from the beginning of pregnancy to the end of pregnancy, and a group of pregnant women who were given zinc and folate supplements from the beginning. pregnancy to the end of pregnancy.
The results of this study showed that blood glucose levels during pregnancy (at week 12, week 24, and week 28) in mothers who were given MMS since the preconception period were significantly different from the blood glucose levels of mothers who were given zinc and folate since early pregnancy. . However, when compared with blood glucose levels in mothers who were given MMS since the beginning of pregnancy, it did not show a significant difference.
The need for multi-micronutrient supplements is based on the needs of various nutrients and the interactions between these nutrients. In addition, the provision of multiple micronutrients in one supplement preparation is considered more efficient, especially if this is to be used as one of the programs for the health of pregnant women.
For her success in defending her dissertation, Erni Yusnita Lalusu successfully graduated and became a Doctor in Epidemiology. Erni is the 94th doctoral graduate of Epidemiology and the 337th FKM UI doctoral graduate.
