Premium Essay

Diabetes

In: English and Literature

Submitted By kcurington112
Words 2097
Pages 9
Diabetes

DIABETES

More than 3% of the world population has diabetes; diabetes is caused by lack of a hormone called Insulin, which is produced by the organ pancreas to control blood sugar (Miller, 2010). Diabetes has been regarded as one of the biggest killers in the world. There exists three types of diabetes, type one, type two and type three. The most common is diabetes mellitus (Derek LeRoith, 2004). Therefore, Diabetes can be caused by little insulin, resistance to the protein insulin or even both. This paper aims to see to research on what causes diabetes, types of diabetes, the incidence and the risk factors associated with the disease.

Problems

Diabetes is a condition when there is a sharp rise of sugar levels in the blood. The body finds it difficult to deal with the high concentration of the sugar in the blood. Foods, which contain starch or carbohydrates such as, rice, bread etc and foods that taste sweet are digested in the body into glucose. The pancreas produces a hormone called insulin, which allows glucose to move into cells to be used by our bodies for energy. When glucose levels increase above normal levels it leads to the complications of diabetes. Men and women are equally likely to suffer from diabetes, also being Asian or Afro-Caribbean, overweight, aged between 40 and 75 or having diabetes in the family can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes.

To understand the concept of diabetes it is imperative that the process by which food is broken down to energy is understood (Kim, 2010). Almost all foods taken in the body contain glucose, glucose is broken down in the mouth and the stomach and it has a high absorption rate. It is therefore absorbed at a high rate than other sugars in the body. When it enters the body, glucose becomes the source of

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Diabetes

...Diabetes transition Assessment of current best practice and development of a future work programme to improve transition processes for young people with diabetes. Transition in healthcare is only one part of the evolution from dependent child to independent adult (David, 2001). Submitted by Ruth Gordon, Ruth Gordon Associates Ltd to NHS Diabetes. Supporting, Improving, Caring August 2012 Acknowledgements This project was funded by NHS Diabetes and supported by Gillian Johnson, North East Regional Programme Manager. The expert panel was made up of a group of clinicians and others who provided information, commented on the process and contributed to the views included in this final report. Others have influenced the later stages of the work and will be involved in planning how to take this project forwards. Therefore thanks go to: • Fiona Campbell • Deborah Christie • Chris Cooper • Julie Cropper • Gail Dovey-Pearce • Jane Edmunds • Gavin Eyres • Sue Greenhalgh • Peter Hammond • Gillian Johnson • Susannah Rowles • Carolyn Stephenson • Helen Thornton • Peter Winocour • Alison Woodhead Without the two clinical leads, Peter Hammond from Harrogate and Fiona Campbell from Leeds, this work and report would not have been possible. Contents Executive summary Context Background and rationale Aims of the project Timing of the project Process undertaken for the project Evidence base and policy background Results from the snapshot research Good practice Examples of good practice...

Words: 11252 - Pages: 46

Premium Essay

Diabetes

...Diabetes Overview Almost everyone knows someone who has diabetes. An estimated 23.6 million people in the United States—7.8 percent of the population—have diabetes, a serious, lifelong condition. Of those, 17.9 million have been diagnosed, and 5.7 million have not yet been diagnosed. In 2007, about 1.6 million people ages 20 or older were diagnosed with diabetes. … Source: 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey estimates of total prevalence-both diagnosed and undiagnosed-were projected to year 2007. What is diabetes? Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism— the way the body uses digested food for growth and energy. Most of the food people eat is broken down into glucose, the form of sugar in the blood. Glucose is the main source of fuel for the body. After digestion, glucose passes into the bloodstream, where it is used by cells for growth and energy. For glucose to get into cells, insulin must be present. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, a large gland behind the stomach. When people eat, the pancreas automatically produces the right amount of insulin to move glucose from blood into the cells. In people with diabetes, however, the pancreas either produces little or no insulin, or the cells do not respond appropriately to the insulin that is produced. Glucose builds up in the blood, overflows into the urine, and passes out of the body in the urine. Thus, the body loses its main source of fuel even though the blood contains large amounts of...

Words: 900 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Diabetes

...Diabetes Among African Americans Diabetes has been affecting the African American community in the United States for a long time. Diabetes is a disease that occurs in people by altering the body’s metabolic process in producing insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is produced in the pancreas which regulates the amount of sugar in our blood stream, and in turn becomes energy. There are two types of diabetes: type 1diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Type 1diabetes, which usually begins during childhood or adolescence, is a condition characterized by high blood glucose levels caused by lack of insulin (American Diabetes Association). This occurs when the body's immune system attacks the insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas and destroys them. Type 2 diabetes which is the most common form of the disease, usually occurs in middle aged adults after the age of forty-five (American Diabetes Association). It’s a condition characterized by high blood glucose levels caused by either lack of insulin or the body's inability to use insulin efficiently. Forty percent of African American boys and forty nine percent of girls will develop diabetes during their lifetimes and therefore face the possibility of severe diabetes-related complications and a life span that is reduced by 4 to 23 years (Institute for Alternative Futures). In 2010, there were 5,547,700 African Americans in the United States with diabetes. African Americans have at least twice the risk of amputations, renal failure, and...

Words: 1923 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Diabetes

...Physically: Some people with DM type 1 might experience long term disabilities such as: diabetic retinopathy, cardiovascular disease, hypoglycemia, neuropathy, nephropathy [ (Dealing with Type 1 Diabetes in Children, 2014) ]. Sexually: In men, impotence may come and go at times. It may begin with erections that are less firm than before, and then progress to those which are shorter duration and less firm. In women, it was reported less sexual desire, less satisfaction, more avoidance of sex, difficulty with lubrication, and fewer orgasms [ (Sander Polin, 2012) ]. Notes: Sanders-Polin suggests that in addition to the symptoms of diabetes, some of the sexual dysfunctions can be due to the stress of dealing with a chronic disease and the medications taken. Financially: According to mainstream.com, a typical type 1 diabetic patient might pay at full-cost (without insurance) about $422.90 per month [ (Typical Costs fo Diabetic Patients, 2009) ]. Notes: The monthly costs include humalog and lantus insulin, lancets, strips, and the medication accupril . Medicare covers supplies for people with diabetes, whether or not they use insulin [ (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014) ]. Private insurance The following federal programs can provide more resources for people with diabetes: Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) TRICARE The Indian Health Service The...

Words: 1011 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Diabetes

...Diabetes is a very serious disease that attacks millions of people around the world. It can strike at any age and it can happen to anyone. Diabetes is a disease where the body does not produce enough insulin or properly use insulin causing the body’s own immune system attacking and destroying insulin producing cells in the pancreas. In 2011, statistics show that in United States 25.8 million of children and adults has diabetes (ADA, 2012). Without the use of insulin, the glucose that we need to live on has a hard time entering the cells of the body that needs it. Then again, if there is too much glucose that builds up in the blood then a diabetic patient begins to have headache or blurry vision. They may become very thirsty or have dry itchy skin. If a diabetic patient blood gets too low, he or she may feel tired, hungry, or shaky. They are 3 types of diabetes, both of which are Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. The other is gestational diabetes that happens in pregnant woman. Type I diabetes is also known as “Juvenile Diabetes” because it occurs in children and young adults. Type I diabetes that is also known as juvenile diabetes can occur at any age but it is most likely common diagnosed during childhood. In type I diabetes the body does not produce insulin. Insulin a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches, and other food into energy needed for daily life (ADA, 2012). This type of diabetes can be treated with either insulin shots or by using an insulin...

Words: 1325 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Diabetes

...Diabetes Mellitus The term "diabetes mellitus" refers to a group of diseases that affect how your body uses blood glucose, commonly called blood sugar. Glucose is vital to your health because it's an important source of energy for the cells that make up your muscles and tissues. It's your brain's main source of fuel. (Turner, 2010, p.18) of you have diabetes, no matter what type, it means you have too much glucose in your blood, although the reasons may differ. Too much glucose can lead to serious health problems. Chronic diabetes conditions include type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Potentially reversible diabetes conditions include prediabetes — when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes — and gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy. (Turner, 2010, p. 22) Diabetes symptoms vary depending on how high your blood sugar is elevated. Some people, especially those with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, may not experience symptoms initially. In type 1 diabetes, however, symptoms tend to come on quickly and be more severe. Some of the signs and symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes include: Increased thirst Frequent urination Extreme hunger Unexplained weight loss Presence of ketones in the urine (ketones are a byproduct of the breakdown of muscle and fat that happens when there's not enough insulin) Fatigue Blurred vision Slow-healing sores Mild high blood pressure Frequent infections...

Words: 1509 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Diabetes

...ADAL Tamara Zgadzaj Tutor: Thomas Torley This plan will examine three main long term problems affecting people with diabetes: • eyes • kidneys • heart and brain People with diabetes should visit an eye doctor regularly, every year for an eye exam. Eye problems that can occur with diabetes include : cataracts ( a clouding of the lens ), glaucoma (increased pressure in the eyes ), retinopathy ( eye changes with the retina in the back of the eye ). Symtoms of eye problems are : blurred vision, spots or lines in your vision, watery eyes, eye discomfort, and loss of vision. Diabetics should check for urine problems at least once a year. Proteins in the urine are a sign of kidney disease. Also, blood pressure should be checked regularly. Symtoms of kidney problems can include, swelling of the hands, feet, and face. Weight gain from edema, itching and drowsiness. If they will get promt treatment, there is a chance to slow down the changes in the kidneys. All people with diabetes have increased chance of heart disease and even stroke. Heart disease is the major cause of death for diabetics. It's important to control other risks such as high blood pressure and high fats ( cholesterol ), as well as blood sugar. Symtoms of heart attack are, shortness of breath, feeling faint, feeling dizzy,sweating, nausea, chest pain or pressure, pain in the shoulders, jaw and left arm. Warning signs of stroke are, sudden numbness or weakness in the face,arm, or leg, usually on...

Words: 927 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Diabetes

...lead to multiple life threatening diseases, such as diabetes. When people hear the news that they have been diagnosed with diabetes, it makes them feel frightened. In 2011, statistics show that in United States 25.8 million of children and adults has diabetes (American Diabetes Association, 2012). American Indians and Alaska natives have a higher percentage of adults with diabetes than other ethnicities (Collazo-Clavell et all. 2009). Diabetes is a serious life-long illness caused by high level of glucose in the blood. This condition is when the body cannot produce insulin that is located in the pancreas. Insulin is a hormone that moderates the blood level. Diabetes affects the process of how the body uses blood sugar (Collazo-Clavell et all. 2009). Glucose is significant since it is “the main source of fuel” (Collazo-Clavell et all. 2009). There is no cure for diabetes but there are ways to lower the risks. Although diabetes is a disorder, it can also lead to other factors such as heart attack, kidney failure, or death. A person with diabetes has to maintain a healthy lifestyle including eating the right food, exercising, controlling their blood sugar level, and be optimistic. Diabetes occurs in several forms but the major ones are Type I and II diabetes and gestational diabetes. Type I diabetes is also known as “Juvenile Diabetes” because it typically occurs in children and young adults. The symptoms for Type I diabetes are frequent urination, extreme thirst and hunger, unusual...

Words: 3172 - Pages: 13

Premium Essay

Diabetes

...DIABETES Definition: Diabetes is a condition where the body fails to utilize ingested glucose. Most of what we eat is broken down into glucose. Glucose is a form of sugar in the blood – it is the principal source of fuel for our bodies. It’s a metabolism disorderthat causes excessive thirst and production of large amounts of urine because the kidneys fail to conserve water. Metabolism refers to the way our bodies use digested food for energy and growth. When our food is digested, the glucose makes its way into our bloodstream. Our cells use the glucose for energy and growth. However, glucose cannot enter our cells without insulin being present. Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas. Insulin makes it possible for our cells to take in glucose. Types of Diabetes There are three (3) main types of diabetes. They are Type 1Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes and Gestational Diabetes. Patients with Type 1 Diabetes usually develop this type of diabetes before their 40th year, often in adulthood or teenage years. In this case, the body does not produce insulin. Some people refer to this type as insulin-dependent diabetes, juvenile diabetes or early-onset diabetes. Patients with Type 1 diabetes will need to take insulin injections for the rest of their life. They must also ensure proper blood-glucose levels by carrying out regular blood tests and following a special diet. Under Type 2 Diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin for proper function or the cells in...

Words: 4433 - Pages: 18

Premium Essay

Diabetes

...Diabetes Dr. Langston Diabetes Mellitus also known as diabetes “dates back to 1500 B.C. nearly 3,500 years ago” (Beaser and Hill, 1995, p.9). Today type 2 diabetes affects millions of people. Currently there is no cure for diabetes. “However, recent advances in genetic engineering technology now offer great promise for overcoming the problems which have frustrated researchers in the past” (Alterman and Kullman, 2000, p. 263). People with diabetes could suffer serious complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis (diabetic coma), arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), hypertension (high blood pressure), heart disease, diabetic neuropathy, and diabetic retinopathy to mention a few. Diabetes is a disease that affects 25.8 million people in the United States alone. This disease results when there is a high level of sugar in the blood for an extended period of time. It can be controlled by diet, exercise, pills and insulin injections. There are three main types of diabetes--Type I, which affects primarily the younger population; Type II, which primarily affects the population above 40; and gestational diabetes, which affects women during the third trimester of their pregnancy. For some people the cause could be the body does not respond to insulin. “Virtually all cells in the body contain special proteins called receptors that bind to insulin. They work like a lock and key. In order for glucose to enter the cell, insulin (the key) must first fit into the insulin...

Words: 1099 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Diabetes

...wrote about diabetes for my biology research paper. I need someone to proof read for me. It is in APA style. Thank you! =) In America, the fact that fast food restaurants are located at every corner many people becomes obesity leading to huge risk factors. The various issues of unhealthy living lead to multiple life threatening diseases, such as diabetes. When people hear the news that they have been diagnosed with diabetes, it makes them feel frightened. In 2011, statistics show that in United States 25.8 million of children and adults has diabetes (American Diabetes Association, 2012). American Indians and Alaska natives have a higher percentage of adults with diabetes than other ethnicities (Collazo-Clavell et all. 2009). Diabetes is a serious life-long illness caused by high level of glucose in the blood. This condition is when the body cannot produce insulin that is located in the pancreas. Insulin is a hormone that moderates the blood level. Diabetes affects the process of how the body uses blood sugar (Collazo-Clavell et all. 2009). Glucose is significant since it is “the main source of fuel” (Collazo-Clavell et all. 2009). There is no cure for diabetes but there are ways to lower the risks. Although diabetes is a disorder, it can also lead to other factors such as heart attack, kidney failure, or death. A person with diabetes has to maintain a healthy lifestyle including eating the right food, exercising, controlling their blood sugar level, and be optimistic. Diabetes...

Words: 3195 - Pages: 13

Premium Essay

Diabetes

...Diabetes: the most common disease that runs in my family A Research Paper Presented In partial Fulfillment of the Course PE 211 04 Health Principles To Professor Earl Henry December 4, 2013 Health Principles December 4, 2013 Abstract Diabetes is a disease that runs on my mother’s side of the family. This paper will pull out the different types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. Each type has different symptoms that will show the requirements of receiving diabetes. Diabetes can be treated but it can’t be necessarily be curable. It is important that to motivate people to start taking care of their body’s. Young children around the world, especially in America start getting treatments for being diabetic. It is devastating to see young children suffer at young ages because of the foods they eat and not getting plenty of exercises. Having a good health is very important and for young children there should not be any excuses. The reason why I picked this topic is because my mother’s side of my family are diabetics and it is very common to them. My grandmother has to take medications everyday for her diabetes. My family has the decency to take care of their body’s, but it’s a disease that runs in our family. There is a great chance for me in the future to catch this disease if I do not pay attention to my own health. Everett Grant Professor Henry Health Principles December 4, 2013 Diabetes There are many risk factors for type 2 diabetes, it goes through family history...

Words: 1572 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Diabetes

...Diabetes Diabetes mellitus, or often referred to as diabetes, is a metabolic disease in which a person has high blood sugar. This can happen either because the body does not produce enough insulin, or because the cells in the body do not respond to the insulin that is produced. Insulin is the hormone that unwinds the cells of the body, allowing glucose to enter and fuel them. Type 1 diabetes results from the body’s failure to produce insulin. This type of diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. Another name for this type of diabetes is juvenile diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. In this type either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin the body produces. Another type of diabetes is Gestational diabetes, which only occurs in women because it shows up during pregnancy. (Schütze, Rix, Laws, Passey, Fanaian & Harris, 2012) Diabetes can be a serious lifelong disease; which can lead to heart attacks, kidney failures, blindness, and even death. Type 1 diabetes also known as juvenile diabetes is characterized by the body’s immune system destroying insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Insulin helps the body store Glucose (sugar) in the body. This being said the body cannot regulate blood sugar, and glucose levels rise in the body. Type 1 diabetics need to regulate their blood sugar by taking insulin shots and like both forms of diabetes regulating what is eaten. Because their body is not...

Words: 1877 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Diabetes

...Diabetes It all starts with the consumption of food that contains carbohydrates. The carbohydrates are then metabolized into a type of sugar called glucose. The body needs glucose because glucose is a source of energy for the cells. After being metabolized, glucose moves into the bloodstream and the body detects that the blood glucose level is rising. In response to this, the pancreas, which is a little gland that sits underneath the stomach, starts releasing a hormone called Insulin. And it’s insulin that helps our bodies get the energy from the food we eat. The bloodstream then takes the glucose and the insulin to every cell in our bodies that needs it. The body functions best when the blood glucose is at an optimum level. It doesn’t respond well to high levels of blood glucose. Normally, there’s a cycle within the body that balances out the glucose and insulin levels. In this case, the food we consume or the liver releases glucose into the bloodstream and the pancreases releases the insulin that carries the glucose to the cells. However, diabetes occurs when this system fails to function properly in the bodies of many individuals today. According to the American Diabetes Association, Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic lifelong condition that affects our body’s ability to use the energy found in food. It is a cellular disease that involves the lack of glucose receptors on cell membranes. Although diabetes is a complex condition, its common theme involves either the lack of insulin...

Words: 1098 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Diabetes

...People with diabetes suffer from high blood glucose, or blood sugar. The foods we eat create glucose. The glucose is critical to our heath because it creates energy for the cells that make up our muscles and tissues. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose turn into energy, without it the glucose stays in your body. There are three different types of diabetes. Type 1, your body does not produce insulin. Type 2, the more common, your body does not use or produce insulin well. Gestational diabetes happens during pregnancy, the placenta produces hormones that make cells resistant to insulin. The cause of diabetes is when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to break down the glucose and turn it into energy. There are serious health risks having too much glucose in your system. There could be damage to the eyes, kidneys and nerves. As well as, cause strokes, heart disease and even the need to remove a limb. Some of the most common symptoms are increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger and unexplained weight loss. If any or all of these symptoms are discovered consult your physician immediately. Certain people have risk factors that can be looked at when trying to diagnose diabetes. There are also genetic factors that can play a part and increase your chances of getting diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is increased if your parent or sibling has this form of diabetes. Type 2 is more likely to develop in people that are overweight or have a family history. Gestational...

Words: 477 - Pages: 2