Type II Diabetes in the Young - Research Paper Example

? Type II Diabetes in the Young Introduction Prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the young adults and children is growing worldwide, mirroring the increase of the ill with the disease in the adult population. Research of the effects of the disease on the young indicates poor outcomes in 10 to 20 years (Eppens & Craig, 2006). The severity of the disease necessitates the involvement of informed healthcare teams qualified in the provision of reliable healthcare assessments and adequate treatment. The constancy in the rise in the number of recorded type 2 diabetes cases among the young mandates an affirmative approach in the identification of evidence-based healthcare and preventive strategies (Eppens & Craig, 2006). Pathophysiology of Type 2 Diabetes Research of type 2 diabetes in the young adults and children continues to provide insightful information about the pathophysiology of the disease. Qualified researchers attribute susceptibility to the disease to both genetic and environmental factors (Eppens & Craig, 2006). Inherited genes might predispose an individual to a combination of failure of beta-cell secretion and insensitivity to insulin produced (Eppens & Craig, 2006). This means that individuals with a history of this disease have increased chances of contracting it compared to individuals with no record of type 2 diabetes in their family. 45-80% of these children have a parent suffering from type 2 diabetes. 74-90% of the reported children cases show that they have the 1st or 2nd degree relative suffering from the disease (Eppens & Craig, 2006). Some researchers might also argue that women have a higher chance of contracting the disease than men (Eppens & Craig, 2006). Other genetic factors that increase the person’s susceptibility to the disease are intrauterine exposure to diabetes, puberty, low birth-weight, and ethnicity (Eppens & Craig, 2006). The environmental factors playing an integral role in the contraction of type 2 diabetes include industrialization and globalization (Eppens & Craig, 2006). These two factors are responsible for the excess of low-nutrient food (genetically modified food) consumed by people around the world. In addition, these factors are also responsible for increasing the likelihood that children will be unfit and sedentary (Eppens & Craig, 2006). For example, the continuous advancement in the technology industry induces laziness among the young adults and children, who would rather engage themselves in computer games indoors instead of riding a bicycle outside. As a result, the levels of obesity among the young have skyrocketed over the years, increasing their chances of developing type 2 diabetes (Kaufman, 2002). Obesity affects the body by overworking all the organs. In addition, the high cholesterol levels also clog up the blood vessels, causing a disruption in the supply of essential enzymes and nutrients in the body (Kaufman, 2002). Brief literature review focusing on current research The American Pediatric Board described type 2 diabetes as the new epidemic affecting the pediatric population. The incidence and prevalence rates have increased by 33% between 1990 and 2000 (Kaufman, 2002). Research shows that the disease accounted for 16% of new pediatric diabetes recorded in the urban areas in 1992, and by 1999 the records showed up to 8- 45 % increase in new cases as per the geographic location (Kaufman, 2002). Further research reveals that ethnicity plays a crucial role in the susceptibility patterns of the disease. Mainly people of African-American, Native-American, Asian-American, and Mexican-American descent suffer from type 2 diabetes. For example, African-American children represent 70-75% of new pediatric patients of type 2 diabetes in Ohio and Arkansas (Kaufman, 2002). Very limited information is available about effective evidence-based treatment. However, National Institute of Health has recently disbursed funding to a multicenter consortium charged with the responsibility of determining the outcomes of the different treatment regimens on comorbidities, glycemic control and b-cell preservation (Kauffman, 2002). Researchers are also looking into the role of nutrition counseling and physical activity in the improvement of glycemic levels among the young. In addition, considerable efforts continue to be directed in finding effective ways of reducing cardiovascular risk among diagnosed patients (Kauffman, 2002). Indiscriminate surveys on patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes show that fewer than 10% of young patients’ treatments revolve around the monitoring of their diet and exercise schedules. This shows that medication continues to be the only effective evidence-based way of managing the disease (Kauffman, 2002). However, medical practitioners recommend the monitoring of diets and exercise schedules as complements to the medication taken as a way of preventing obesity in a diagnosed patient. This is because obesity interferes with the treatment by causing complications such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, and dyslipidemia (Kauffman, 2002). Research studies indicate that children ought to take a proactive role in safeguarding their health. Information about the disease ought to be disseminated to the children to increase their awareness of the impending epidemic (Eppens & Craig, 2006). Many children are ignorant about the disease and the age group likely to contract it. Therefore, providing them with information about the causes and unevidenced suggested ways of decreasing the chances of them contracting the disease proves helpful (Eppens & Craig, 2006). Summary of Interview Provided below are the responses received during an interview with a 19-year old Hispanic male. •When asked about how he knew about type 2 diabetes, the interviewee responded by saying that before he was diagnosed with the disease, he had never heard about it. None of his peers suffered from the disease; therefore, he did not see the need to look for information about it. In addition, his assumption was that only people of an older age suffered from the disease. •He stated that his general physician had given him the diagnosis 18 months ago. •The response to the exercise question indicated that the young male spends extremely limited time exercising during the week. •The young male stated that he was not dissatisfied with his diet when asked about whether he pays attention to what he eats. However, he further added that this all changed when he had received the diagnosis from the doctor. •The interviewee explained that he had no knowledge of how to use the food pyramid before he heard his diagnosis. However, recommendations made by his physician prompted him to research and learn about the food pyramid. •He clearly stated that he had never had to watch his weight in the past before receiving the diagnosis. He admits that now he constantly monitors his weight as per the physician’s recommendations. •The interviewee stated that the continuous research of the chronic complications of type 2 diabetes proved beneficial to him. It has helped eliminate his ignorance about the disease, allowing him to play an affirmative role in caring for his health. •The young male concurs that he has had to make changes in his lifestyle after the diagnosis. He cites regular exercise, proper nutrition and constant weight monitoring as some of the changes in his lifestyle. •The interviewee confirmed his use of medication in helping him deal with his condition. However, he emphasizes his strict adherence to the changes made in his lifestyle as a complementary way of dealing with his situation. •When asked for his opinion about the management of his condition, the interviewee responded by saying that it has been a struggle to learn how to manage it. However, he is of the opinion that he is managing well so far. The responses received remain consistent with the responses collected in researches carried out among young people on a larger scale. This shows the mindset of young people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (Kaufman, 2002). Many young adults and children are unaware of the severity of this disease. This is because they lack the relevant information about the disease. They only learn about it after their own diagnosis or that of their peers (Eppens & Craig, 2006). The interview also revealed that making changes to one’s lifestyle complements the functioning of the medication prescribed. These changes include changes in the diet and frequent monitoring of weight. Detailed research studies also attest to the importance of making life changes before and after the diagnosis of type II diabetes (Kauffman, 2002). Conclusion In conclusion, the preventative measures taken up presently include addressing obesity in childhood. Schools should design their curriculums to accommodate physical education, which gives children the opportunity to engage in physical activities, for example, sports (Kauffman, 2002). The vigorous programs prompt children to be active, reducing their chances of obesity. Nutritional counseling is also a way in which schools can ensure that children learn about proper nutrition (Kauffman, 2002). Teaching children about the food pyramid enables them to monitor what they eat and thus allows them to stay healthy. The remaining organizations within a community ought to develop safe places for children, for example, parks, where they can exercise and play games with their families (Kauffman, 2002). Combating type 2 diabetes requires the pooling of efforts towards the rectification of environmental factors which predispose children to contracting the disease (Kauffman, 2002). References Kaufman, F. (2002). Type II diabetes in children and young adults: A “New Epidemic”. American Diabetes Association Journal, 20(4), 217-218. Eppens C., & Craig M. (2006). Prevalence of diabetes complications in adolescents with type II compared with type I diabetes. Diabetes Care Journal, 29(10), 1300-6. Read More