Organ Systems and the Effect of Diabetes on the Organ System - Research Paper Example

Running head: DIABETES Elizabeth Kroupa G150 structureand function of the Human Body Rasmussen College Author Note This research is being submitted on December 3, 2011 to Eric Hartigan’s in partial fulfillment of the requirements for G150 Human Structure course. Introduction to Diabetes Diabetes is the most common chronic disorder in the endocrine, characterized by abnormally high blood sugar levels, and results from the absence or insufficient insulin production (Mathur, 2011, and National Institute of Health, 2011). Insulin is a protein hormone produced and secreted by the beta – cells of the pancreas in response to an increase of sugar in the blood and functions to regulate the blood glucose level (Free Online Health, 2009 and Mathur, 2011). In the United States, about 215,000 people under 20 years old were diagnosed with type 1 or 2 diabetes in 2010, and around 1.9 million population ages 20 years and above, are recently established to have diabetes mellitus. In the US, diabetes is the 7th leading cause of mortality, and is the main cause of stroke and cardiac problems (National Institute of Health, 2011). Thesis Statement Diabetes mellitus is the major cause of infirmity among the young population in the United States, and this is because of the poor lifestyle practices among the young generations nowadays. Organ Systems and the Effect of Diabetes to the Organ System Heart In adults, the risk of having heart attack, stroke, angina, and coronary artery disease is increased 2-4 times among people who are diabetic (National Diabetes Education Program, 2007). This is because high levels of blood sugar damages the blood vessels, and restricts blood flow towards the heart. Kidneys Poorly controlled diabetes is oftentimes related to chronic renal failure (Wedro, 2011). If the renal blood vessels are damaged, the kidney will become less effective in filtering waste products from the blood (Wedro, 2011). Eyes High blood glucose levels damages the light sensitive tissues of the retina (National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, 2011). Nerves Diabetic neuropathy is classified into peripheral, autonomic, proximal or focal, and in various ways, affect different body parts. The mild symptoms of diabetic neuropathy may go unnoticed for years, but some are sudden and severe for others, especially those who have focal neuropathy (National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, 2011). a. Focal Neuropathy Focal neuropathy results to sudden weakness of a nerve or nerve group that causes weakness or pain in the muscle. Symptoms of neuropathy are due to weight loss and depression that accompanies it and not due to the neuropathy itself (National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, 2011). b. Autonomic Neuropathy A change in digestion, bowel, bladder, sexual responses, and respiration is caused by autonomic neuropathy, and affects the nerves that supplies the heart, lungs, eyes, and controls blood pressure. In extreme cases, a condition called hypoglycemia unawareness caused by autonomic neuropathy is a condition in which the warning symptom of low levels of blood glucose is experienced by diabetic individuals (National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, 2011). c. Peripheral Neuropathy The most common type of diabetic neuropathy is the peripheral type. This causes pain or numbness in both upper and lower extremities that progress to weakness in both lower extremities. d. Proximal Neuropathy This type of neuropathy is more commonly seen in type 2 diabetes and usually begins as one –sided pain in the thigh, hips, buttocks, and legs (National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, 2011). Feet High levels of blood sugar damages the blood vessels of the lower extremities restricting the blood supply to both lower extremities. The sensory nerves of both lower extremities are also affected by high blood sugar levels. Nerves affected by high blood sugar levels manifests as tingling, numbness, and pain at the feet (National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, 2011). Gums High levels of blood sugar encourage the bacteria to grow, weakening the gums, and making it more susceptible to infections (National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, 2011). Sexual Organs Damaged penile blood vessels, which resulted from high blood sugar level, can cause an erectile dysfunction in men. National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (2011) also stated that autonomic neuropathy caused by diabetes also damages the nerves that supply the sexual organs. On the other hand, limited blood flow to the vagina as a result of high blood sugar level causes vaginitis, cystitis, and limited stimulation of the clitoris during sexual activities. How disease develops High Blood Pressure High blood pressure especially among type I diabetics results when kidneys are damaged due to complications that often results to a condition called diabetic nephropathy (Patient UK, 2011). High blood triglyceride levels Triglyceride levels are elevated frequently in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (Tanenberg, 2005). High fat diet and Obesity or being overweight Diabetic patients are at risk for heart disease because high levels of saturated fats also increases cholesterol levels in the blood (Patient UK, 2011). Alcohol intake Excessive alcohol intake increases hormone secretion that leads to high blood sugar levels (Hughes, 2011). Tanenberg (2005) stated that the hallmarks for metabolic syndromes include high triglyceride levels, low HDL, and central obesity, and 80 percent of those who are affected are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Premature death due to heart disease is frightening significance of this risk factor combination. Symptoms of Type I Diabetes Mellitus Signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes mellitus include increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger and unusual loss of weight, easy fatigability, irritability, and blurring of vision (Mayo Clinic, 2011). Symptoms of Type II Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 diabetes causes serious complications, and oftentimes, type 2 diabetes mellitus is not diagnosed not until serious complications takes place (Seibel, 2010). Symptoms include increased in thirst and hunger and frequent urination, dry mouth, unexplained loss of weight, fatigue, blurring of vision, headache, and rarely, loss of consciousness (Seibel, 2010). Other symptoms include low – healing wounds, itchiness in the vaginal or groin area, frequent infections of the yeast, recent gain of weight, acanthosis nigricans, numbness and tingling of upper and lower extremities, blurring of vision, and impotency (Seibel, 2010). Treatment and Prevention for Diabetes The major goal for treatment of diabetes is to control blood sugar level and bring it back to normal level. It should start from lifestyle modifications which include weight loss, regular physical activity, and decrease intake of salt, eating healthy foods, and drinking alcohol in moderation. If the aforementioned treatment fails, oral medication is recommended; however, if both still fail to control blood sugar levels, then insulin will be considered (Mathur, 2011). Conclusion Diabetes is not only a dangerous chronic disorder, but a deadly disorder as well, since it does not only destroy the blood supply and organs in the body, but will eventually lead to death when left untreated. References Free Online Health. (2009). What is Insulin and What does it Do? Retrieved December 3, 2011, from http://www.free-online-health.com/what-is-insulin.htm Hughes, M. (2011). Can Alcoholism cause Diabetes? Retrieved December 4, 2011, from http://www.ehow.com/facts_4965943_can-alcoholism-cause-diabetes.html Mathur, R. (2011). Diabetes Mellitus. Retrieved December 3, 2011, from http://www.medicinenet.com/diabetes_mellitus/article.htm Mayo Clinic. (2011). Type I Diabetes Symptoms. Retrieved December 4, 2011, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/type-1-diabetes/DS00329/DSECTION=symptoms National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. (2011). National Diabetes Statistics, 2011. Retrieved December 4, 2011, from http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/statistics/ National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. (2011). Diabetic Neuropathies. Retrieved December 3, 2011, from http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/neuropathies National Diabetes Education Program. (2007). The Link between Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease. Retrieved December 3, 2011, from http://ndep.nih.gov/media/CVD_FactSheet.pdf National Institute of Health. (2011). Diabetes. Retrieved December 3, 2011, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/diabetes.html Patient UK. (2011). Diabetes and High Blood Pressure. Retrieved December 4, 2011, from http://www.patient.co.uk/health/Diabetes-and-High-Blood-Pressure.htm Seibel, J. (2010). Signs of Type 2 Diabetes. Retrieved December 4, 2011, from http://diabetes.webmd.com/guide/diabetes-warning-signs Tanenberg, R. (2005). Type 2 diabetes and Triglycerides. Retrieved December 4, 2005, from http://www.diabeteshealth.com/read/2005/06/01/4294/type-2-diabetes-and-triglycerides/ Wedro, B. (2011). Kidney Failure. Retrieved December 4, 2011, from http://www.medicinenet.com/kidney_failure/article.htm Read More