The Truth About Diabetes Essay Example

membranes with cracked lips, hot flushed skin, abdominal pain or rigidity, breath odor resembling acetone, soft eyeballs resulting from dehydration, as well as kidney disease. Impaired vision or blindness may occur due to cataracts or damaged retinas. Nerve damage and skin damage are also common symptoms. The risk of strokes and heart attacks is increased for individuals with diabetes. All these symptoms likely share the same underlying cause (Sizer and Whitney 113).

Late symptoms of diabetes include hypotension (low blood pressure), oliguria (reduced urine secretion relative to fluid intake), or anuria (complete suppression of urinary secretion). According to the American Diabetes Association, decreased circulating fluid volume over time leads to reduced blood flow to the kidneys which can result in renal shutdown accompanied by oliguria or anuria. Late symptoms tend to be more severe and troublesome.

In extreme cases of diabetes complications can lead to coma and stupor. Electrolyte imbalances along with profound shock and rapidly lowering pH levels can cause loss of consciousness (Luckmann and Soerensen 1544).

Diabetics may experience chronic complications related to their eyesight such as cataracts or damaged retinas; skin problems; issues with their urinary system; as well as heart-related conditions.Glaucoma, a complication of diabetes, occurs when increased eye pressure hinders the drainage of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber. This leads to compression of blood vessels supplying the retina and optic nerve, resulting in decreased delivery of oxygen and nutrients. As a result, vision is gradually affected. Treatment for glaucoma typically involves medication use.

Diabetic individuals also have a higher risk (sixty percent) of developing cataracts, which causes cloudiness in the lens of the eye and obstructs light. To alleviate symptoms, wearing sunglasses more

frequently or using glare control lenses may be necessary.

In addition to glaucoma and cataracts, diabetic patients are at risk for retinopathy—a term encompassing all retinal disorders caused by diabetes. Ketoacidosis can cause metabolic acidosis in individuals with untreated or poorly controlled diabetes.

Skin changes and infections are common in diabetic patients due to microangiopathy—a condition where capillary membrane thickening leads to clot formation in arterioles and capillaries. This can result in conditions like diabetic dermopathy and necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum.Painless brown spots known as shin spots are commonly found on the front lower extremities, measuring less than one centimeter in diameter. Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum, which may result from trauma, presents similar lesions to diabetic dermopathy but has a higher likelihood of being associated with ulcerations and necrosis. These reddish yellow atrophic lesions can be repaired using skin grafts. Necrobiosis lipoisica diabeti orum appears as erythematous papules or nodules in the pretibial area due to degenerative disease of the dermal connective tissue. It primarily affects women who rely on insulin and may occur prior to the development of overt diabetes.

Compared to others, diabetic patients have a greater prevalence of infections due to impaired mobilization of inflammatory cells and dysfunction of white blood cells. Healthcare providers often suspect diabetes when undiagnosed individuals experience recurring boils and furuncles. The detection of infection may be delayed due to loss of sensation or nerve damage. Glycosuria, characterized by high sugar levels in both blood and urine, can increase the risk of bladder infections in individuals with neurogenic bladders.

People with diabetes are more susceptible to certain microorganisms and fungi due to their elevated sugar levels. Diabetes-related deaths are largely attributed to heart disease

and stroke caused by issues with blood vessels. Chronic hyperlipemia refers to an excessive presence of fat in the bloodstream.
Vascular degeneration can affect the kidneys, leading to diabetic nephropathy, and the eyes, causing diabetic retinopathy and potential blindness. The development of nephropathy is a common consequence of diabetes. Diabetic coma occurs due to ketoacidosis, while insulin deficiency leads to hyperglycemia which prevents glucose transportation into cells. When carbohydrates are not available for energy, glycogen stores are converted back into glucose through glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis processes (Luckmann and Sorensen 1565-1569). Both overproduction and excessive consumption of substances contribute to rising blood sugar levels (Luckmann and Sorensen 1565). Age or ethnicity does not restrict the development of diabetes; it can occur at any age due to genetic or environmental factors. According to the International Diabetes Federation, Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90-95% of all diabetes cases. Although typically seen in individuals over forty years old, it now affects children and adolescents more frequently as well. Advancing age increases the likelihood of developing diabetes. Family history and ethnicity are significant predictors of diabetes risk. African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders within the US population have a higher susceptibility to diabetes. Gestational diabetes may occur in some women during pregnancy but usually resolves after childbirth (WebMd Health).Women who have had gestational diabetes or given birth to a baby weighing four kilograms (two pounds) or more are at an increased risk for Type 2 diabetes later in life. Obesity is a contributing factor to the development of Type 2 diabetes, with over eighty percent of overweight individuals being affected and the risk increasing with higher

degrees of overweightness. Close relatives of those with a family history of diabetes also face an elevated risk. Lack of physical activity is another factor that raises the likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes, which is commonly referred to as adult-onset diabetes due to its gradual onset during middle age. In contrast, type 1 diabetes occurs in childhood when the pancreas completely stops producing insulin. Both types of diabetes have strong genetic ties and tend to run in families.

Individuals with diabetes often experience hypertension, abnormal blood fat levels, and coagulation issues. Most diabetics manage their condition by administering insulin injections either in the stomach or thigh, although some choose an insulin pump for direct delivery into the body. However, complications from insulin therapy can arise including hypoglycemia, tissue hypertrophy or atrophy, erratic insulin action, allergies to insulin itself, and insulin resistance. Hypoglycemia symptoms include changes in consciousness, increased heart rate, and excessive sweating while hyperglycemia is characterized by frequent urination and nocturia.Patients may also experience symptoms of ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar coma, as well as tissue hypertrophy or atrophy. They may also develop allergies to insulin. Sugar consumption can disrupt insulin levels. In terms of managing diabetes through diet, there are two main types: qualitative and quantitative diets. A qualitative diet is recommended for individuals with mild cases of diabetes (Luckmann and Sorensen 1565-1575). Recommendations in the text include avoiding sugar additions to beverages and sweetened foods such as jellies, jams, cakes, and ice cream. Patients should regularly test their urine and schedule healthcare appointments.

The quantitative diet goes beyond quantity and involves an exchange diet where different foods have equal values. There are two methods for

preparing quantitative diets: the exchange measure diet and the fixed weighed diet. The exchange-measured diet allows for exchanging foods with the same value without changing the patient's basic dietary plan. Foods are categorized into six groups: dairy, vegetable, fruit, bread, meat, and fat exchanges. Each exchanged food must have equal amounts of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. For example, one cup of skim milk has the same nutritional value as half a cup of evaporated milk in terms of calories, carbs, protein, and fat content.The fixed weighed diet, also known as a quantitative diet, offers a consistent way to track daily food consumption. This makes it easier to follow and accurately monitor intake. Diabetics are advised to limit their alcohol consumption due to its high sugar content, which can be quickly absorbed and affect insulin production (Brunner).

According to WebMd Health, it is important to customize a diabetic's diet plan based on their specific needs such as body weight, occupation, age, activities, and type of diabetes. To effectively manage diabetes, maintaining a balanced diet is crucial along with engaging in weight control and physical activity.

Physical exercise helps lower blood sugar levels by utilizing sugar as fuel in the muscles. This process improves the body's glucose utilization and enhances insulin effectiveness. Leg exercises are particularly beneficial for individuals with Type I diabetes who require multiple daily insulin injections as they help maintain healthy blood flow.

Walking is recommended for keeping the legs fit and promoting adequate blood flow to the feet. It is advised to walk for at least 30 minutes to one hour per day while gradually increasing the distance covered each day. Additionally, aerobic exercises like walking

up stairs on the balls of your feet can also be helpful.Properly taking care of your legs and feet involves various exercises, such as calf stretches, chair exercises, sitting and standing with arms crossed, leg bends, tiptoe exercises, leg sweeps, and waving of the feet. These exercises have multiple benefits including improving cholesterol and blood sugar levels and promoting a good night's sleep. Light weight lifting can also help reduce cholesterol and blood glucose levels. Insufficient sleep has been linked to insulin resistance or prediabetes. This occurs when cells do not respond properly to insulin, preventing sugar from entering the bloodstream. Insomnia is now a concern for individuals with diabetes as it can worsen their condition. A study involving twenty-seven participants found that those who slept less than six and a half hours per night (known as short sleepers) had approximately forty percent lower insulin sensitivity compared to those who slept seven and a half to eight hours per night (considered normal sleepers). Therefore, patients should conduct daily testing while physicians should perform annual testing. Cholesterol tests should be done at least once a year, aiming for total cholesterol levels below 200, LDL cholesterol below 100, HDL cholesterol below forty-five, and triglycerides below 150 (WebMd Health).The HbA1C test should be done every three months to measure average blood sugar level, with the target value being below seven percent. Doctors need to perform an annual dilated eye exam using eye drops to examine the back of the eye. Blood pressure should be checked during each visit, aiming for a pressure of 130/80. Yearly foot examinations and daily self-checks are recommended. The evaluation for Peripheral Arterial Disease

(PAD) typically involves ankle blood pressure tests done around age 50 or earlier if there are risks involved. Diabetes testing equipment, like the 1 Touch Ultra System and glucometer, can vary depending on the patient. However, it is important not to use alcohol with the glucometer in order to prevent skin toughening over time. Some elderly patients prefer traditional testing supplies over new technology.

Insulin pumps offer an alternative method of delivering insulin slowly over 24 hours and can be adjusted based on meals and hyperglycemia. While they do not automatically cure diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association, they can reduce the risk of eye disease by 76%, nerve disease by 60%, and kidney disease by 56%. Insulin pumps provide precise control of insulin delivery and lead to more stable blood sugar levels compared to regular insulin usage. This allows individuals greater freedom in their lifestyle choices and meal options.

Currently, researchers are studying the use of an inhaler for medication delivery in diabetes treatment.The ideal solution for this inhaler is still being determined. Additionally, there is a device that includes a needle attached to a wire which can be inserted into the side or hip without causing any sensation. This device alerts individuals when their sugar levels require attention and delivers medicine through the wire into the body. Managing blood sugar levels in individuals with Type 2 diabetes may involve oral hypoglycemic drugs or insulin injections. It is crucial to find the right balance between these treatments. Proper management is essential in reducing the risk of diabetes-related eye, nerve, and kidney diseases. This requires a lifelong commitment from individuals with diabetes, including maintaining a balanced

diet, monitoring meal times, managing stress levels as excessive stress can affect blood sugar levels, and regularly checking blood sugar levels throughout the day. Medication injections are necessary if morning readings exceed 100 or if blood sugar levels are above 100 during lunchtime and dinnertime. Diabetics must also check their blood sugar levels at night regardless of circumstances (Axson). Some individuals who have recently been diagnosed with diabetes may respond differently due to personal emotions or concerns about the future. In a personal interview, a seventeen-year-old girl expressed her fear of the daily pain caused by administering self-injections and worried about passing on diabetes to her future children.
She believed that this condition would define her midlife crisis. Similarly, Mr. Clise faced two choices upon his diagnosis: either control and live with the disease or face death. He chose to live and made this decision between the ages of nineteen and thirty-two. In contrast, Miss Axson felt scared and uncertain when diagnosed at fourteen years old. Previously, she struggled with correctly administering insulin and managing her eating habits, which significantly limited her life choices (Axson). Despite being one of the top ten causes of death in adults in the United States, diabetes does not mean an end to a normal life. Many diabetics can lead fulfilling lives by taking daily steps to maintain good health. Increased urination is a common symptom for diabetic patients (Sizer and Whitney 112). It is important to note that diabetes is not a single disease but rather a combination of several diseases with varying signs and symptoms.Complications can occur at different stages - early, secondary, and late.The patient's lifestyle and ability

to control insulin play a role in the severity of complications.Unfortunately, patients often overlook the initial signs of complications.Treatment options range from simple injections to advanced machinery.Diabetes does not discriminate based on race, age, or gender; anyone can be at risk.Everyday habits and lifestyle choices greatly influence the longevity and quality of life for diabetics (American Diabetes Association, 2005).