Medical Essay on Diabetes Related-Complications

According to Deshpande (2008), over 20 million people in the United States of America have diabetes and diabetes related complications. Increased risk for diabetes is majorly linked to age, family history of diabetic cases, obesity, smoking, ethnicity, and also physical inactivity. On the hand, diabetes related complications such as kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, and lower extremes amputation remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States of America. However, the significant advancements in technologies and treatment options, individuals living with diabetes and other related complications now live longer with this condition. Increased longevity is however associated with increased complication due to diabetes especially among the elderly. Diabetes related complications are a principal cause of mortality and morbidity in the United States of America, and they substantially contribute to increased health care costs among the people. Over the past two decades, United States of America has experienced several epidemics of diabetes, and thus a greater incidence of the same is expected especially due to modernization. Also, diabetes related complications have been on the rise among children and young adults. According to Peila (2002), most cases of diabetes-related complications are due to type 2 diabetes. This kind of diabetes develops in situations where there is abnormally elevated resistance to insulins function, and an individuals body cannot generate enough insulin to counter the resistance. It is, however, important to note that well-managed diabetes and general health of those affected can lower the risk of diabetes-related complications.

Problem Statement

Diabetes-related complications are a great cause of mortality and morbidity among the general population.

Significance of diabetes-related complications

Diabetes-related complications have the tremendous impact on the general well-being of individuals in a community. Specifically, these complications include damaged small and large blood vessels, which lead to incidences of stroke, heart attack, and injuries to the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and feet. As seen in the introduction, such complications mainly affect the elderly, young children, and also young adults. First, such complications among young children will reflect poor development, growth, and even reduced attention in school. Similarly, young adults will have reduced productivity not only at their learning institutions but also at their work places. Among the elderly, diabetes-related complications can result to other body organs being affected i.e. the digestive system, the skin, teeth, sexual organs and also the immune system. In a generalized perspective, a nation with the high prevalence of diabetes-related conditions will have a less productive population, and thus a diminished economy. Similarly, complications that lead to deaths will affect members of the deceased family, especially if they were the bread winners.

Intervention Strategies and solutions for a diabetes-related complication

It should be noted that diabetes-related complications can easily be managed and therefore improve the patients general well-being. Various integrated strategies can be implemented to help the patient maintain good health. First, diabetic patients should take regular visits to the doctor for blood glucose levels monitoring. Regular monitoring helps keep the glucose levels in check i.e. Within the recommended range. Secondly, individuals with kidney or cardiovascular complications should maintain their target blood pressure range as advised by the doctor, through regular self-monitoring. Thirdly, patients with complications related to diabetes should adhere to the prescribed medications without missing a single dose. This drug helps especially patients with cardiovascular complications who need to maintain their triglycerides and cholesterol levels at the recommended levels. Fourth, patients are advised to make healthy food choices from the recommended variety of food types. Such foods include lean meats, low-fat dairy products, fruits, whole grains, and vegetables. Consequently, diabetic patients are advised to limit the intake of highly saturated salt and fat foods. Fifth, patients are advised to take part in physical activities as it relevantly reduces their blood pressure. Physical activities include daily running, jogging or rope skipping. Also, patients are advised to get used to walking rather than full time driving. According to Colberg (2010), physical activity has significantly reduced the severity of diabetes-related complications over the recent years. Likewise, patients are advised to maintain the recommended weight range as this helps in significant reduction of blood cholesterol and glucose, and also blood pressure. Due to the significant association between smoking and diabetes-related complication, patients are advised to refrain from this habit, and those who are addicted are given remedies for the same. Evidently, improved control of these risk factors in individuals who have diabetes lead to conditions that are more favourable.Epidemiological impact of a diabetes-related complication within a population.According to Deshpande (2008), it is estimated that over 25 million people across the United States of America experience diabetes-related complications. Similarly, he argues out that it is estimated that by the year 2050, the number of individuals diagnosed with diabetes-related complications in the United States could rise to over forty million. This means that cases of cardiovascular diseases, sexual organs damage, amputations and so on will be the primary causes of mortality and mortality across the United States of America. Epidemiological data should, therefore, be widely shared among the people to control the already existing cases, as well as avoiding new ones from developing.

References

Colberg, S. R., Albright, A. L., Blissmer, B. J., Braun, B., Chasan-Taber, L., Fernhall, B., ... & Sigal, R. J. (2010). Exercise and type 2 diabetes: American College of Sports Medicine and the American Diabetes Association: joint position statement. Exercise and type 2 diabetes. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 42(12), 2282-2303.

Deshpande, A. D., Harris-Hayes, M., & Schootman, M. (2008). Epidemiology of diabetes and diabetes-related complications. Physical therapy, 88(11), 1254-1264.

Peila, R., Rodriguez, B. L., & Launer, L. J. (2002). Type 2 diabetes, APOE gene, and the risk for dementia and related pathologies. Diabetes, 51(4), 1256-1262.