WHAT IS TYPE II DIABETES???

According to Medline Plus, a service provided by the US National Library of Medicine, Type II Diabetes is a chronic (lifelong) disease marked by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes.


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INTRAPERSONAL

There are 20.8 million people in the United States who suffer from type II diabetes each year.  Of these people, 9.7 million are women.  Women are at a higher risk for heart disease which can be the cause or result of diabetes.  Women also have the responsibility to exercise extreme caution while pregnant.  If gestational diabetes (diabetes during a pregnancy) is not cared for properly the child is at severe risk for childhood obesity as well as other problems.
INTERVENTION: Pregnant women should get tested for diabetes when they have found out they are pregnant.  

Personal habits play a large role in the development of type 2 diabetes.  The healthier a persons lifestyle is, the less susceptible they are to developing the disease.
INTERVENTION: Being educated on a healthy lifestyle can make it easier to start living as such.  Exercise is also a great way to keep metabolic pathways and cycles strong.  It is recommended that at least three times a week for thirty minutes, physical activity is maintained.

INTERPERSONAL

A trend can be seen in families when it comes to type 2 diabetes.  It is often found that when older generations have a history of cardiovascular problems and diabetes, their children will have a high risk of inheriting these problems as well.  With the easy accessibility of unhealthy foods children have, it is of the utmost importance for parents to watch what foods their kids are eating.  Type 2 diabetes is usually known as late onset diabetes because of the later age in which the disease becomes established.  However, with updated trends of quick fixed dinners such as fast food restaurants, studies are showing that the age of onset for type 2 diabetes is becoming younger and younger.  Obesity is a major contributing factor for metabolic breakdown which leads to faulty insulin receptors and ultimately type 2 diabetes.

INTERVENTION: An individual knowing their health status and risks can help them understand and prepare for helping out a family member.  Also, professionals emphasize that people with diabetes have a greater chance of achieving and maintaining good glucose control when they have supporting friends and family.

INSTITUTIONAL

A significant problem that most adults find themselves having, is not being able to find the time to exercise or eat right.  On average, individuals spend 35-40% of their waking hours at work.  This means that if a person has a job that demands very little manual labor, which covers a substantial number of jobs, they are spending a little less than half their day with a slow metabolic rate.  Add to that unhealthy choices for meals, and there is a major risk for type 2 diabetes.
INTERVENTION: What people can do to incorporate physical activity into their day is to utilize their break time.  Taking a walk outside or even around the inside of the building is one way to change the pace of a persons day.  Another is for healthier snacks to be provided in vending machines.  The options have to start becoming available in order for any change to be made.

Schools are another place in which children spend majority of their day and physical activity can be low.  The threat for earlier onset of type 2 diabetes is becoming more and more overbearing.  Schools should mandate the time for recess or gym class.  The fact that Illinois is one of only two states that require daily gym for students is irresponsible.  Studies show that gym class not only stimulates brain activity to help learn, but it also promotes good exercise practices.

COMMUNITY

Demographically, there are ethnic groups that are more susceptible to the onset of diabetes.  These groups include African Americans, American Indians, and Mexicans/Hispanics.  Researchers believe that there is a gene responsible for affecting insulin function and while the ethnicities mentioned are at a lower risk for type 1 diabetes, they are at a higher risk for type 2.
INTERVENTION: Being aware of the risks that are associated with an individuals culture can really help in knowing what factors to look for when trying to stay healthy.  Another big issue is eating right and giving your body the proper nutrients to maintain regulatory insulin productivity.  Healthy foods need to be accessible especially for individuals with a high risk.

If an individual has high blood pressure, they are at a much higher risk for the onset of diabetes than people who do not.  Hypertension is another very common health issue in the United States and very often goes hand in hand with type 2 diabetes.
INTERVENTION: The USPSTF has a grade B recommendation for all asymptomatic adults with sustained blood pressure greater than 135/80 mmHg to get screened for type 2 diabetes. 

PUBLIC POLICY

In 2005, the Nevada State Nursing Board has permitted registered nurses to delegate additional aspects of diabetes care to other non-medical school officials.  These nurses are trained to administer glucose in an emergency situation.
INTERVENTION: Although this is good news when acting in an emergency, preventing this emergency from every happening is even better.  Encouraging school officials to use the schools gym or fitness center before or after the school day, providing healthy lunch options, or advising teachers to stand and walk around the room while teaching are all good ways to prevent the onset of diabetes. 


Most states also have mandated coverage for diabetes care.  This helps lower income families to attain the health supplies they need.