Mechanisms of Coping with Diabetes - Essay Example

Health Campaign Introduction Diabetes is currently one of the major and most prevalent diseases in the world. It is a disease which mainly involves the endocrine system but its effects on the body are extensive enough for a multi-organ and systemic effect. It is a disease where the blood glucose levels are too high and cannot be adequately synthesized by the body (Medline Plus, 2010). Glucose is synthesized from the food we eat and insulin is the hormone which brings the glucose to the cells for conversion into energy. In cases of Type I diabetes, the body does not make insulin and with Type II diabetes, the body does not make or does not utilize insulin well (Medline Plus, 2010). In these cases, glucose is not synthesized but it stays in the blood. High blood sugar levels eventually causes serious problems to the body – to the eyes, the kidneys and the nerves and later manifesting bigger health problems like heart disease, stroke, and gangrenous limbs (Medline Plus, 2010). This makes diabetes an alarming health problem. According to the American Diabetes Association, the most recent statistics on the disease (2007) indicate that there are 23.6 million children and adults in the United States with diabetes and it is the seventh leading cause of death in the US (2010). In Florida, 7 out of every 100 adults have diabetes and this makes Florida the 14th ranking state in percentage of diabetes sufferers (Callahan, et.al., 2008). Florida deaths credited to diabetes are at 21.4 deaths per 1,112,000 adults (Callahan, et.al., 2008). Still, these are also alarming figures for this disease. Considering the above information, this paper shall evaluate the community using population health data sources needed to address the issue of diabetes. It shall then identify the federal, state, and local agencies which are tasked with addressing and managing the issue. This paper shall also describe the models and systems which are used in order to determine and analyze diabetes, including its sources of data, such as vital statistics, managed care data and disease registries. It shall also define the community and the targeted population possibly affected by diabetes, including older adults and African-Americans. This paper shall also describe the epidemiologic surveillance systems used in the monitoring of diabetes. Finally, it shall evaluate the epidemiology tools in other areas of the health care system, including the risk assessment and the trends in the disease and health needed in order to address diabetes as a health issue. Discussion Federal agencies in the control of diabetes As an advisor to the community, I can recommend that Palm Beach County Florida respond to the health campaign challenge in Healthy People 2010 by addressing the problem on diabetes. There are various federal agencies involved in the control and management of diabetes. The CDC Diabetes Public Health Resource: Division of Diabetes Translation is involved in eliminating diabetes through leadership and research programs (Diabetes at Work, 2010). The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease is the lead agency for diabetes research. The National Diabetes Education Program coordinates with the National Institute of Health and the CDC in order to reduce the mortality rates for diabetes (Diabetes at Work, 2010). The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) also partners with the NDEP in order to provide information to the public about diabetes and about healthy food choices which can be chosen by the people in order to prevent and control diabetes. The State Diabetes Prevention and Control Programs is the agency which helps develop and implement diabetes education and outreach programs (Diabetes at Work, 2010). State and local agencies in the control of diabetes In Florida, the management and control of diabetes is through the Florida Diabetes Prevention and Control Program (DPCP) and this agency coordinates with the County Health Departments, Health Maintenance Organizations, Managed Care Organizations, hospitals and other medical providers in order to come up with proper legislation, policy and protocols in the management of this disease (Department of Health Florida, 2009). The DPCP then coordinates with the local counties in the control and management of diabetes. One of these counties is Palm Beach. The Palm Beach Diabetes and Endocrine Specialists (PBDES) is a provider which assists Florida in its diabetes control program. The practice of the PBES is on metabolic and hormonal disorders like diabetes, thyroid disorders, calcium disorders, menstrual disorders, among others (PBDES, n.d). Community and targeted population The total population of Palm Beach Florida is about 1.2 million, with about 615,000 males and 647,000 female (US Census Bureau, 2008). Most of their population is aged 18 years and over at 996,000; and 65 years and over at 274,000 (US Census Bureau, 2008). As to race and ethnicity, most of the population is white at 940,000; the Hispanics or Latino at 218,000, the Blacks or African-Americans at 197,000; other races at 75,000; the Asians at 27,000; mixed races at 15,000; and the American Indians and Alaska natives with 4,000 inhabitants (US Census Bureau, 2008). When the diabetic at-risk population is considered, the following register with higher numbers of diabetic sufferers: African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and the Pacific Islanders (Marshfield Clinic, 2010). Older adults and females have a higher risk for contracting diabetes. African-Americans seem to have a higher risk for diabetes. Statistics indicate that for every white American who gets diabetes, 1.6 African-Americans get diabetes; one in every four black women who are atleast 55 years of age have diabetes; and these African Americans also have a higher probability of developing diabetes complications and disabilities from diabetes (Black Health Care, 2000). Hispanics also registered with a high prevalence rate for diabetes. In six areas with high Hispanic population in the United States, 7.4% had been told by the doctor that they had diabetes (Burrows, et.al., 2004). Comparing Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites, figures indicate higher rates in most areas with a significant Hispanic population like Puerto Rico, California, Texas, Florida, New York/New Jersey, and Illinois (Burrows, et.al., 2004). Among older adults, the risk for diabetes is primarily due to cumulative unhealthy life habits and this risk also opens them up to other risks like that seen in heart disease and stroke (Aldridge, 2009). The onset of diabetes for women is usually earlier as compared to men. Studies were able to reveal that markers found in the blood, in relation to markers such as endothelial dysfunction, chronic sub-acute inflammation and blood clotting factors have been seen earlier in women (Rejman, et.al., 2007). Epidemiology surveillance systems Epidemiological surveillance systems for diabetes include the Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Evaluation in the Bureau of Epidemiology. In Florida, the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is a “rolling telephone survey of Florida adults on a wide range of health issues, including, but not limited to: physical activity, diet, tobacco and alcohol use, HIV/AIDS, asthma, diabetes, and cancer screenings” (Florida Department of Health, 2009). On the national level the diabetes surveillance systems covers the various possible stages in the disease process. Based on degree of graduation in the disease process, they are: normal, prediabetes, diabetes, complications, and death (Gregg, 2009). The monitoring for and surveillance for diabetes in these cases would include the risk factors for complications such as uncontrolled blood pressure, inadequate hyperglycemic control, hyperlipidemia, smoking, and sedentary behavior (Gregg, 2009). In the monitoring process of the patient, important details in the assessment and diagnostic requirements for the diabetic patient includes the foot exam, HbA1c testing, the dilated eye examination, and the diabetes education (Gregg, 2009). The national surveillance and monitoring process is mostly through telephone calls and through surveys (Gregg, 2009). These surveillance processes helps ensure that those who are at risk for diabetes and for the complications of diabetes are detected, controlled, and monitored. Epidemiological tools within the health care system (risk assessment and trends) The United States Department of Health and Human Services (2009) suggests that epidemiological tool which may be used in order to measure a person’s health care risk for diabetes includes a health risk assessment (HRA) questionnaire. This tool “gives individuals an assessment of their current health and quality of life” (United States Department of Health and Human Services, 2009). It helps employers set proper goals and to evaluate programs which they can incorporate into their workplace in order to monitor and maintain the health of their employees. Through this health risk assessment, participants are able to evaluate areas where they are not doing well and where they might need improvement. The report also provides lifestyle changes and the individuals can set goals in order to monitor their progress in the wellness program (United States Department of Health and Human Services, 2009). Through this HRA, employers can then identify the respondents who are eligible for a health promotion program; and the results of the HRA can also give the company an idea of its own wellness (United States Department of Health and Human Services, 2009). Reports on the HRA can be implemented per location, based on demographics and with the use of other factors which the employer can use in order to assess the wellness of the employee (United States Department of Health and Human Services, 2009). Conclusion There are 23.6 million Americans afflicted with diabetes and the disease ranks seventh among the major causes of death in the US. In Florida, 7 out of 10 adults have the disease with most of those afflicted being Africa-Americans, Hispanics, and the older women. In order to confront this growing problem, the CDC Diabetes Public Health Resource: Division of Diabetes Translation is heading the federal research program on the elimination of this disease and with the assistance of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease the control and prevention of this disease is being implemented. More particularly, Florida’s diabetes control program is under the care of the Florida Diabetes Prevention and Control program. With the assistance of the County Health Departments, Health Maintenance Organizations, Managed Care Organizations, hospitals, and other medical providers, including the Palm Beach Diabetes and Endocrine Specialists, legislative measures, policies and protocols for the management of this disease are formulated and imposed. Epidemiological surveillance systems in place also help ensure that diabetes is monitored and controlled. On the federal level, the Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Evaluation in the Bureau of Epidemiology and in Florida, the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System is in place. The diabetes surveillance systems cover other stages in the disease process like normal, prediabetes, diabetes, complications, and death. The risk assessment is measured by the US Department of Health and Human Services through the health risk assessment. These important points in the diabetes management program available in the state and federal levels help ensure that diabetes is controlled and its complications reduced. Works Cited About Us (2009) Bureau of Chronic Disease, Prevention and Health Promotion. Retrieved 10 April 2010 from http://www.floridadiabetes.org/default.html Aldridge, S. (16 June 2009) Unhealthy lifestyle causes diabetes in older adults too. Health and Age. Retrieved 10 April 2010 from http://www.healthandage.com/unhealthy-lifestyle-causes-diabetes-in-older-adults-too Burrows, M., Valdez, R., Geiss, L., & Engelgau, M., (14 October 2004) Prevalence of Diabetes Among Hispanics --- Selected Areas, 1998—2002. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved 10 April 2010 from http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5340a3.htm Callahan, R, Gjertsen, A., Herb, J., Kreinbrook, L., Royal, J. (31 December 2008) Florida Diabetes Statistics and Death Rates and Florida Donors and Corporate Sponsors. iPump. Retrieved 10 April 2010 from http://www.ipump.org/map/donors-florida.html Chronic Disease Epidemiology Surveillance and Evaluation (2009) Florida Department of Health. Retrieved 10 April 2010 from http://www.doh.state.fl.us/Disease_Ctrl/epi/Chronic_Disease/Chronic_Disease.htm Diabetes (12 April 2010). Medline Plus. Retrieved 13 April 2010 from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/diabetes.html Diabetes in African Americans? (2000) Black Healthcare. Retrieved 10 April 2010 from http://www.blackhealthcare.com/BHC/Diabetes/Description.asp Diabetes Statistics (2010) American Diabetes Association. Retrieved 10 April 2010 from http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/diabetes-statistics/ Dealing with Diabetes (2010) Marshfield Clinic. Retrieved 10 April 2010 from http://www.marshfieldclinic.org/patients/?page=contenthubs-diabetes-risk Federal Agencies: Agency Resources (2010) Diabetes at work. Retrieved 10 April 2010 from http://www.diabetesatwork.org/DiabetesResources/FederalAgencies.cfm General Patient Information (n.d) Palm Beach Diabetes and Endocrine Specialists. Retrieved 10 April 2010 from http://www.palmbeachdiabetes.com/general_patient_info.htm Gregg, E., (2009) Epidemiology of Type 2 Diabetes. University of Pittsburgh. Retrieved 10 April 2010 from http://www.pitt.edu/~super4/33011-34001/33621.ppt Palm Beach County, Florida (2008) US Census Bureau. Retrieved 10 April 2010 from http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/ACSSAFFFacts?_event=ChangeGeoContext&geo_id=05000US12099&_geoContext=&_street=&_county=Palm+Beach&_cityTown=Palm+Beach&_state=04000US12&_zip=&_lang=en&_sse=on&ActiveGeoDiv=&_useEV=&pctxt=fph&pgsl=010&_submenuId=factsheet_1&ds_name=ACS_2008_3YR_SAFF&_ci_nbr=null&qr_name=null®=null%3Anull&_keyword=&_industry= Rejman, K., Rafalson, L., Dmochowski, Stranges, S., & Trevisan, M., (23 February 2007) Diabetes Risk Factors Develop Earlier In Women Than Men. Medical News Today. Retrieved 10 April 2010 from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/63459.php State-Based Diabetes Prevention & Control Programs: Florida (2008) US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved 10 April 2010 from http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/states/fl.htm Tools for gathering data to help design and evaluate your program (2009) United States Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved 10 April 2010 from http://www.diabetesatwork.org/ProgramEvaluation/CommonTools.cfm Read More