Diabetes as One of the Leading Causes of Death in the United States - Assignment Example

 ABSTRACT Diabetes is regarded as one of the leading causes of death in the United States (US). Given the nature of the disease, it is pertinent for us to be aware of the basic facts about diabetes. This paper provides an overview of this prevalent health problem. It discusses the prognosis, prevalence, risk factors, symptoms and treatment of diabetes. Furthermore, it tackles how the life of diabetics has or may to change in order to minimize the probability of the occurrence of complications brought about by this disease. Diabetes – An Overview Diabetes mellitus, commonly referred to as diabetes, is a disorder of carbohydrates, particularly glucose, metabolism (Shryock, 1988). The name of the disorder is taken from the Greek word diabetes, meaning “siphon,” and the Latin word milletus, meaning “honey-sweet” (Bell, 1988). Basic facts about this disease are summarized as follows: Prognosis Diabetes is a disease characterized by above normal levels of blood glucose (“Center for Disease Control,” 2005). This develops when the body is unable to make or properly use the hormone known as insulin which is produced in beta cells in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas (“Diabetes Basics,” n.d.). The lack of insulin results in the inability of the body to metabolize glucose, diminished capacity to store glycogen, a form of glucose, and impairment of the active transport of glucose across cell membranes. (Davidson, 1991) There are various types of diabetes identified. One form is type 1 diabetes, previously referred to as insulin-dependent diabetes milletus or juvenile-onset diabetes, occurs when the body is unable to produce insulin. The immune system then attacks the cells that make and release insulin. As such, high sugar levels collects in the blood and causes the build up of acids called ketones in the blood and urine. (“Diabetes Basics,” n.d) Other types of diabetes include the gestational diabetes which occurs in pregnant women and diabetes resulting from specific genetic syndromes, surgery, drugs, malnutrition, infections and other illnesses (“Center for Disease Control,” 2005). Specialists also recently unveiled a new form of diabetes which may cause damage to the brain caused by the inability of the brain to produce insulin. Further studies are being undertaken to know more about this type of diabetes and its link to Alzheimer’s disease. (Than, 2005) It should be noted that, according to studies, there is no clinical characteristic or diagnostic test available which readily distinguishes one type of diabetes over another, particularly type 1 from type 2 diabetes (Crownover & Nashelsky, 2005). As such, further research is being conducted along this line of studies in order to come up with more specialized forms of treatment. Prevalence of Diabetes Diabetes is considered as the fifth deadliest disease in the US. Recent reports show that about 16 to 17 million people are infected with this disease (Vijan, Hayward & Langa, 2004). From this figure, type 1 diabetes may account for 5% to 10% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes, while type 2 diabetes may account for 90% to 95%. Other types of diabetes develop in 1% to 2% of all diagnosed diabetes cases. On the other hand, gestational diabetes develops in 2% to 5% of all pregnancies. (“Center for Disease Control,” 2005) Based on recent studies, the prevalence of diabetes is increasing at an epidemic rate. This phenomenon is attributed to the growing number of obesity cases as well as development of sedentary lifestyle (Vijan, Hayward & Langa, 2004). Moreover, the youth of today are said to be more likely to develop diabetes at an early age since they gain relatively more weight and become less physically active (Kevin, 2005). In the US, diabetes is especially prevalent among African Americans. Statistics show that about 1 out of 10 African American aged 20 and above have diabetes. Furthermore, one in every 4 black women over 55 years is reported to have diabetes. (Kevin, 2005) Risk Factors Uncontrollable risk factors of type 2 diabetes include family history, older age, prior history of gestational diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance and race or ethnicity. As mentioned, African Americans are relatively more prone to suffer from diabetes. In addition, Hispanic/Latino Americans, American Indians and some Asian Americans as well as Pacific Islanders are at particularly higher risk for type 2 diabetes. (“Center for Disease Control,” 2005) Controllable factors like gaining excessive weight and physical inactivity also substantially increase the risk for type 2 diabetes. For type 1 diabetes, risk factors are said to be less well defined. However, autoimmune, genetic and environmental factors, such as unidentified virus stimulating an immune attack against the beta cells of the pancreas in some genetically predisposed people, are observed to be involved in the development of this type of diabetes. For gestational diabetes, family history and obesity are associated with higher risk. (“Center for Disease Control,” 2005) Symptoms The most common symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, extreme hunger, sudden vision changes, tingling or numbness in hands or feet, feeling of tiredness, having dry skin and presence of sores that heal slowly. (“Center for Disease Control,” 2005) These are only some of the observed symptoms of the disease. However, it should be noted that there are cases when there are no manifestations that one is already suffering from diabetes. (“Diabetes Basics,” n.d.) Treatment and Prevention Basic treatment for type 1 and type 2 diabetes are insulin injections and blood glucose testing, respectively. For those with type 1 diabetes, the amount of insulin intake must be balanced with food intake and daily activities. For those with type 2 diabetes, oral medications and insulin injection may also be prescribed to control blood glucose levels. (“Center for Disease Control,” 2005) Other medical approaches to cure diabetes include pancreas transplantation, islet cell transplantation, artificial pancreas development and genetic manipulation (“Center for Disease Control,” 2005). As an alternative, new diabetes treatment have also been discovered. For instance, researchers in Toronto are at the final stages of developing the first oral insulin as an alternative to insulin injection. Another medicine, Caiapo, which is made from sweet potato plant extract, is also commercially sold and may allow for better blood sugar control. (Matt, 2004) In addition, doctors came up with Anodyne therapy, which uses bursts of bright light to improve blood flow, may help diabetics in avoiding the loss of feeling in the hands and feet. (Matt, 2004) In terms of prevention, researchers have undertaken studies in identifying exact genetics and triggering factors that make individuals more prone to develop type 1 diabetes. However, prevention remains elusive to date. (“Center for Disease Control,” 2005). Life Alterations Due to Diabetes Diabetics are recommended to watch their diet and keep their weight at a healthy level. Furthermore, they are advised to get ample physical activity and exercise. If the patient is a smoker, he/she is advised to discontinue the smoking habit. (“Diabetes Basics,” n.d.) People who suffer from diabetes should also regularly see their doctors and dietician for prescription of maintenance pills and recommended diet composition. Such is required to minimize the risk of diabetes complications including heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure, eye problems, kidney damage, nerve damage, various infections, gum disease and problems in pregnancy. (“Diabetes Basics,” n.d.) As part of diabetes care, diabetics may see ophthalmologists for eye examinations, podiatrists for routine foot care and endocrinologists who specialize in diabetes care (“Center for Disease Control,” 2005). Conclusion According to statistics, about $1 for every $10 attributed to health care expense is spent on controlling and treating diabetes. Given the staggering complications which may be caused by diabetes, the quality of services rendered by healthcare providers should be ensured. Moreover, medical specialists should endeavor to pursue further studies to know more about the causes and treatment of diabetes in order to help millions of people suffering from this disease. Aside from this, programs to address obesity and promote physical activity should be organized especially for the young people who are developing sedentary lifestyles. Such health initiatives would significantly help reduce the risk of diabetes among the youth. References Bell, J. (1988). Collier’s Encyclopedia. Macmillan Educational Company Center for Disease Control. (2005). Accessed: 07 October 2005 online at http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/faq/basics.htm. Chappel, K. (2005). Diabetes Treatment, Research and Cure. Ebony, March 2005. Crownover, B.K and J. Nashelsky. (2005). What is the best way to distinguish type 1 and 2 diabetes? Journal of Family Practice, July 2005. Davidson, M. (1991). Diabetes Milletus: Diagnosis and Treatment. Diabetes Basics. Diabetes. Accessed: 07 October 2005 online at http://www.diabetes.com/diabetes_information.html Matt, C. (2004). Health plus: breaking diabetes news. Men’s Fitness. June-July 2004. Shryock, J. (1988). Modern Medicine Guide. Than, K. (2005). New form of diabetes may damage the brain. Psychology Today. May-June 2005. Vijan, S., R. Hayward and K.M. Langa. (2004). The impact of diabetes on workforce participation-results from a national household example. Health Services Research. December 2004. Read More