Diabetes A Growing Health Concern in the U.S.

Diabetes A Growing Health Concern In The U.S.
According to (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011). Diabetes can affect many parts of the body and therefore can result in serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. The pancreas makes a hormone called insulin, which in turn helps glucose to get into the cells of our bodies. When the pancreas does not produce enough insulin blood glucose levels can then become elevated and other metabolic abnormalities can occur, leading to more serious and disabling complications. Obesity is directly linked to the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. According to World Heart Federation (2015), “your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and hypertension rises steeply. Statistics show that 58% of diabetes and 21% of ischemic heart disease are attributable to a BMI above 21.” (Why Obesity Causes Cardiovascular Disease).
According to "Healthy People 2020" (2014), “diabetes affects an estimated 23.6 million people in the United States and is the 7th leading cause of death.” There are three common types of diabetes (Diabetes). 1. Type II – “Results from a combination of resistance to the action of insulin and insufficient insulin production.” (HealthyPeople.gov, 2014). Type II can be controlled by a person’s diet and physical activity, losing weight and when needed, medications. 2. Type I – The body is no longer able to produce insulin. The individual must have insulin delivered by a pump or an injection with regular monitoring. 3. Gestational Diabetes – This form of diabetes is a common complication often seen in pregnancy and often more frequently seen in African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans and American Indians. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015). 4.
Affected populations by type 2 diabetes are often the minority groups. According to “Healthy People 2020" website, “minorities constitute 25% of all adult patients in the United States with diabetes. Among those, the prevalence rate for American Indians are 2 to 5 times more at risk than Caucasians. Other ethnic groups at risk for developing diabetes include African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, some Asian Americans, Native Hawaiian’s, and other Pacific Islanders. “(2014)
Other risk factors such as: 1. Older age 2. Family history of diabetes 3. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (n.d.), “A history of gestational diabetes puts the patient at a 35% to 60% greater risk over the next 10-20 years of developing diabetes.” (Page 6). 4. Inactivity 5. Race and ethnicity
Comorbidities associated with diabetes may affect many parts of the body and may be associated with other serious complications such as: 1. Coronary heart disease, heart failure, diabetic cardiomyopathy are types of heart disease directly related to having diabetes. A patient is 2 to 4 times more likely to have heart disease when diagnosed with diabetes. 2. Stroke 3. Blindness 4. Kidney failure 5. Lower limb amputation – more than 60% of non-traumatic limb amputations occur in people with diabetes. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011). 6. Periodontal gum disease is known to be common in those with diabetes. 7. Nerve disease
What can we do for prevention? Life style changes can be effective in preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes in high-risk individuals and proves to be effective in all racial and ethnic groups. 1. Start with eating healthy - fat free diet, with low fat dairy, fruits, vegetables, and whole grain breads – cereals. 2. Regular physical activity, this strengthens muscles, brisk walks at least two times weekly 3. Taking prescribed medications to lower blood glucose levels – with regular monitoring of blood sugar levels. 4. Monitoring blood sugar routinely with self-monitoring systems reduces the risk of developing eye, nerve and kidney complications of diabetes.
Other critical areas of diabetes management can be focused on reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high lipid levels and tobacco use and weight management. ("National Institute Of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases", n.d.). Routine physician check-ups are imperative.
Due to a steady rise in the number of persons with diabetes, and possibly earlier onset of type 2 diabetes, there is a growing concern that there is a possibility of an increase in the number of persons with diabetes and the new changes in the current Health Care Reform leaves us with the uncertainty of the systems stability, therefore there is concern if this may overwhelm the system.
There are barriers to progress in diabetes care that include: 1. “Systems problems (challenges due to the design of health care systems”. (HealthyPeople.gov, 2014).

2. Attention and resources available per person to treat diabetes could be decreased due to the number of diabetics overall in the United States.
Medical expenses for people with diabetes are greater than two times higher than people without diabetes. “In 2004, heart disease was noted on 68% of diabetes related death certificates among those of 65 years and older. In 2008, 44% of all new cases with kidney failure, diabetes is been noted as the leading cause. Neuropathy or nervous system damage is noted in 60% to 70% of all diabetic patients.” (HealthyPeople.gov, 2014.).
Diabetes is not a disease to be ignored, and it is not a disease that will go away. We have to educate each other, our patients and their families and encourage life style changes early in life. We can make a difference.

References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011). National Diabetes Fact Sheet 2011. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/pdf/ndfs_2011.pdf
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Gestational Diabetes in the United States. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/pdf/ndfs_2011.pdf
Healthy People 2020. (2014). Diabetes. Retrieved from https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/diabetes
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders. (n.d.). Changing Habits. Retrieved from http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/diet/changing-habits/Documents/Changing_Your_Habits.pdf
World Heart Federation. (2015). Cardiovascular Health. Retrieved from http://www.world-heart-federation.org/cardiovascular-health/cardiovascular-disease-risk-factors/obesity/