Diabetes as One of the Highly Affecting Health Complications - Essay Example

Running Head: nursing All DP- CH of the of the of the Introduction Diabetes is considered as one of the highly affecting health complications affecting a number of people in the United States (Forouhi and Sattar, 2006). Type- 2 diabetes has been affecting almost 90% of people in the United States and can be considered as a challenge for a number of individuals and health professionals. Diabetes is the sixth most common reason behind the premature death in Los Angeles County and a number of people of different race and ethnicities are affected by it (County of Los Angeles Public Health, 2008). Research shows that Asians and Africans have been largely affected by diabetes in the Los Angeles County. At the same time, it was found that the prevalence of diabetes in South Asian women has been widely visible and known (Hossain, 2007). It was further found that erratic lifestyle and unhealthy eating patterns have been the main reasons behind the prevalence of diabetes in South Asian women (Viswanathan, et al, 2006). It was also found that the rate of diabetes has increased from 6.6% in 1997 to 9.1% in 2007 showing a drastic increase in the number of diabetics in the Los Angeles County (Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, 2011). Usually, the South Asians are the second-largest visible minority in United States of America and a fastest growing population of the immigrants. These individuals have a higher probability to have diabetes as compared to the white population. These people are driven by erratic lifestyle and eating disorders that cause obesity and other health related issues. Diabetes is known to be the most common and deadliest of diseases across the world affecting the mental and physical state of an individual by weakening the body and its functions (Hamman, et al, 1989). Diabetes affects the general functioning of the body that further affects the capability to fight with health complications. It is most common in those people having weight issues and family history of diabetes problem. There is no doubt that genetics play an important role in determining the level and chances of diabetes and the same is applicable in the case of South Asians (Forouhi and Sattar, 2006). However, South Asian Women are highly prone to diabetes because of insulin resistance, high calorie diet and lack of physical activity. South Asians are emigrants and second generation from India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It needs to be understood that Type-2 Diabetes is quite common among Asian Women that creates Insulin resistance along with disallowing blood sugar to enter into cells and thus affecting the energy level (Raymond, et al, 2009). The reduction in the energy level further causes severe health challenges and thus making diabetes one of the deadliest health complications in and around the world. It is often believed that high weight and calorie rich diet along with genetics play an important role in increasing the chances of diabetes (Ramachandran, Vijay, 1999); there is no denying that South Asian Women are on a healthier side because of high consumption of oily and rich food stuffs. Their living standard and life style also makes things difficult for them in the short as well as in the long run (Ramachandran, Vijay, 1999) This directed project will therefore, discuss challenges, complications, management of diabetes along with the life style among the South Asians women living in Los Angeles. One of a growing public health concern in United States is Diabetes. As per the report published by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2012); it was found that out of the 25.6 million adults with diabetes in the United States, 12.6 million were women in the year 2010. This clearly shows that, a number of women have been affected by diabetes in last few years. It was also found that the Asians and Africans top the list when it comes to diabetes in the United States. This is mainly because of the low insulin resistance, genetic disorders, eating disorders, erratic life style, lack of physical activities, and little awareness on diabetes and its impact on the mental and physical health. In the context of Los Angeles County, it can be said that there has been an increase from 5.9% in 1996 to 9% in 2007 in the number of South Asian diabetic women (Egede and Dagogo-Jack, 2005). This clearly signifies that diabetes has been a major cause of concern in many South Asian women and requires a systematic approach to deal with the issue. Background of the Problem It was found that people of South Asian ethnicity especially women have higher degree of mortality and heart complications because of the diabetes. It was further found that South Asian women have suffer more from obesity and other health complications mainly because of the life style issues compared to other ethnicities like European and Whites (County of Los Angeles Public Health, 2008). South Asian women are not very much into physical activities leading to health challenges and issues. South Asians represent 4.7% of the total population of the US and by the end of 2050; they are estimated to represent around 10%. Moreover, the numbers of South Asians suffering from diabetes are around 12-14% compared to the 4-5% of Whites and Europeans. This clearly shows that the numbers of South Asians suffering from diabetes are much more compared to any other ethnicity in the US (Viswanathan, et al, 2006). Among the South Asian population, Diabetes along with its complications is extremely prevalent as compared to the individuals of European origin and still evidences exist that the South Asian patients with diabetes are known to receive deprived quality care. The individuals of South Asian origin consist of 4.7% of the population of U.S (the Asian population, 2000). It has been estimated that by the year 2050, 10% of the population in United States will be of South Asian ancestry (Barnes, Adam and Powell, 2008). The number of diabetics has been increasing in the United States with large numbers of women being affected by it. There is no doubt that majority of risk is suffered by South Asian and African women because of their lifestyle and health complications but even 10% of white women are also getting affected by diabetes in the United States . On the other hand, 18.7% of African American Women are affected by diabetes in the US. It was also found that around 8-10% of South Asian women are treated with diabetes in different parts of the US. The number of diabetic women is quite high in Los Angeles County and high numbers of deaths happen because of the diabetes (County of Los Angeles Public Health (2008). It was further found that 14% of American Indians are suffering from diabetes that can be considered as a worrying sign for the Asian community. The reasons behind Asians suffering from diabetes are still not clear mainly stating lifestyle issues. As per the County of Los Angeles Public Health (2008), the numbers have increased significantly in last ten years and Africans, Latinos, and Asians have been majorly affected by the diabetes. Though, diabetes can affect and impact any race and ethnicity but few races and ethnicities are highly affected by diabetes mainly because of the life style and eating disorders. It was also found that South Asian women suffer from diabetes because of the lifestyle and obesity issues that need to be managed and controlled in a systematic manner to seek better results. The rate of obesity has also increased among women mainly because of the lack of physical activities and little focus on revamping lifestyle and health complications in a logical way (County of Los Angeles Public Health, 2008). In the context of the South Asian Women, it was found that Indians living in Los Angeles County are not much in numbers but a number of South Asian women around 1-2% from the total 8-10% of South Asian Women population in the US are affected by diabetes and can be considered as a worrying situation. Furthermore, the diabetes incidence among South Asians has risen in current decades and many of the cases are poorly controlled and undiagnosed (Ramachandran, & Snehalatha, 2010). The diabetes complications range from life-threatening, acute situations such as ketoacidosis and severe hypoglycaemia to the most debilitating chronic complication hence affecting multiple systems of organs such as cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy. The prevalence of diabetic complication estimates are challenging in part for the reason there is no agreed standards internationally for the diagnosis (Ramachandran, & Snehalatha, 2010). The prevalence of diabetes in South Asian women has been a major source of concern requiring immediate attention but at times, even healthcare intervention programs have failed to create awareness leading to long term healthcare issues and concerns (Viswanathan, et al, 2006). Statement of the Problem Although, South Asians represent less percentage of the total US population but the rise in the number of diabetes cases has been quite disturbing (Forouhi and Sattar, 2006). Moreover, South Asian women suffer more from diabetes compared to any other race or ethnicity (Das, 2002). There is no mystery that erratic lifestyle like less attention towards physical activities and unhealthy food habits has led the increase in the cases of diabetes but the real problem is pertaining to the impact and influence of diabetes leading to premature deaths (Los Angeles Public Health (2008). It was found that the rate of obesity has increased from 14.3% in 1996 to 22.2% in 2007 in South Asian women in Los Angeles County leading to severity to diabetes and can be considered as a major problem (Los Angeles Public Health, 2008). Teaching the patients with information of diabetes is important, so as to manage their disease along with lowering health care costs, decreases complications, enhances self-care behaviors, and improves glycemic control. Lack of admission to the care quality is considered to be a barrier to care for the diabetic individuals. Without the health care, diabetic patients are at a huge risk to develop complications connected with the condition of diabetes. There is a requirement to explore the diabetes events leading to hospitalization, health care for individuals and unmet needs of the diabetics. Abourizk et al (1994) noted that according to the American Diabetes Association, the education of self management is thought to be an important component for optimal care in diabetes as it is an important area of diabetic care. As only a limited number of patients utilize the program which is critical for the purpose of designing interventions to promote education of diabetes. It can be said that South Asian women are exposed to little awareness programs that affect their thought process. The problem lies in dealing with the diabetes issue that is dependent on the understanding of reasons behind the rise of diabetes (Mather and Keen, 1985). Thus, it can be said that, it is important to create awareness but in a logical and well planned manner. Statement of the Purpose The purpose of the project is to educate South Asian women on the complications of diabetes along with creating awareness in them using health care models like Precede Proceed Model and educational assessment. In the past, it has been found that healthcare intervention models have been of great importance and utility in mitigating the impact of diabetes requiring greater degree of participation and cooperation and purpose and goals can be achieved through mutual support and cooperation (Forouhi and Sattar, 2006). This project will permit the women to understand the risk factors contribution for intervening in reducing the complications of diabetes and mortality for avoiding the disease burden and inequality in health as evidenced by the severity of gaps in disease hence, affecting this segment of population. The interview question will particularly inquire about their experiences and perceptions that will aid in improving the implementation of health promotion program. Therefore, this study will assist to educate and inform the individuals living in South Africa about diabetes related issues such as consumption of appropriate diet and life style changes leading to a good quality of life. Though, the significance of the study is majorly restricted to the dependency on the secondary literature and analysis; it will further help in ascertaining the overall intricacies of diabetes and its impact and influence over the South Asian women in Los Angeles County in the current time. The purpose of this study is to ascertain the prevalence of diabetes among South Asian women and its complications in Los Angeles County. The purpose of this directed project will to educate women including their family members about the type 2 diabetes management especially long term such as retinopathy, kidney failure, and heart attack (Mather and Keen, 1985). This direct project also explores to the best use of medication effect requires a patient needs to take before consumption of food. Overall, it can be said that the purpose of the project is very clear in terms of goals and objectives and will help in seeking relevant outcomes and results in a well planned succinct manner (Viswanathan, et al, 2006). Significance of the Problem Diabetes affects the quality of life along with affecting the life expectancy of people suffering from it and in the recent past and present; a number of South Asian women have been suffering from diabetes and in order to deal with this issue, it is important to form a systematic approach leading to concrete solutions (Los Angeles Public Health, 2008). Diabetes is often considered as a serious health complication in and around the world affecting a large percentage of the total US population. Moreover, it has been affecting a number of women in the United States and women being an important part of the society; it becomes all the more important to protect and safeguard them against health issues and complications. Demographic factors play an important role in deciding the impact of any health complications and Chowdhary, Fink, Gelberg and Brook (2003), 45% of South Asian had an annual income of >$ 80,000 and 42% had a master degree. This clearly shows that their demographic factors are quite strong and can be used to combat diabetes issue and problem. However, lack of awareness and knowledge often affects ways to control and manage diabetes. The condition of Diabetes is considered to be treatable and many complications are preventable. However, it needs to be understood that diabetes cannot be cured but controlled and managed and thus require systematic and dedicated approach to deal with the issue in the long run. The foremost goal for the management of diabetes is to delay or prevent the complications of the onset (Los Angeles Public Health, 2008). Additional, studies examines the rates of prevalence of diverse complications in the South Asians which is required for assessing the quality of care and screening and to develop the clinical programs of management hence targeting the complications which occurs at a higher rate. In the past, it was found that health intervention programs have been of great help but considering the need of mutual cooperation and coordination; at times; healthcare models and programs create very little impact. Thus, this issue needs to be sorted out in order to extract greater degree of benefit (Abourizk et al, 1994). Summary The paper discussed the prevalence of diabetes in South Asian women in Los Angeles County in a critical manner highlighting reasons and impact in the recent run. It was found that South Asian women suffer from diabetes mainly because of the genetic and lifestyle issues. They are well educated and supported by strong demographics still lack focus and dedication to deal with the diabetes issue. One of the most critical factors pertaining to the treatment of diabetes is based on the notion that, it cannot be treated and thus can only be managed and controlled. However, in many cases, individuals do not even take initiatives in controlling it rather than getting affected by it to the core and then taking actions and initiatives. South Asian women have strong demographics and weak social factors making them all the more vulnerable towards the treatment of diabetes in the long run. South Asians represent less percentage of the total US population but the rise in the number of diabetes cases has been quite disturbing (Forouhi and Sattar, 2006). Moreover, South Asian women suffer more from diabetes compared to any other race or ethnicity (Das, 2002). South Asian women are exposed to little awareness programs that affect their thought process. The problem lies in dealing with the diabetes issue that is dependent on the understanding of reasons behind the rise of diabetes (Mather and Keen, 1985). In the past, it was found that health intervention programs have been of great help but considering the need of mutual cooperation and coordination; at times; healthcare models and programs create very little impact and in the case of South Asian women, it was found that healthcare models affect for a brief period of time and then are of little use and importance considering the lack of continuation and zeal to take positive initiatives (Das, 2002). Overall, it was found that healthcare models and programs may be of great help and support in managing diabetes but requires a dedicated and focused approach. References Abourizk NN, O’Connor PJ, Crabtree BF, Schnatz D. (1994) An outpatient model of integrated diabetes treatment and education: functional, metabolic, and knowledge outcomes. Diabetes Educ, Vol. 20(5): pp. 416-21 Barnes PM, Adams PF, Powell-Griner E. (2008) Health characteristics of Asian adult population: United States, 2004-2006 Adv Data; Vol. 394, pp.1-22. County of Los Angeles Public Health (2008). Trends in Diabetes. Los Angeles Health. Retrieved fro http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/wwwfiles/ph/hae/ha/Diabetes_2010_6pg_Sfinal.pdf Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2011) National diabetes fact sheet, 2011 [Internet]. Atlanta (GA): CDC; Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ diabetes/pubs/pdf/ndfs_2011.pdf on 3rd January 2012. Das, U.N (2002). 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Diabetes Care; Vol. 29(3):pp. 701–703. Read More