Diabetes Ii

Running Head: Type II Diabetes

Proposal for a Research Grant on Type II Diabetes

One of the most serious (and misunderstood) diseases that affects our country today is type II diabetes. While many people may not understand exactly what type II diabetes is, it is actually quite simple: "Type II diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way your body metabolizes sugar (glucose)- your body's main source of fuel" (Mayo Clinic, 2006). Type II diabetes is the most common type of diabetes, with approximately 90 to 95% of the 21 million Americans who suffer from diabetes have type II diabetes. It has been estimated that one-third of people with type II are not aware that they have it; if it goes undiagnosed for a long period of time the disease can become life-threatening (Mayo Clinic, 2006).

There are several risk factors in developing type II diabetes, which can include weight, inactivity, family history, age, race, gestational diabetes, and depression. Overweight people (especially those who carry the extra weight around their midsection) are said to be especially at risk for the disease. Severely inactive people, those with a history of type II diabetes in the family, people over the age of 45, and women who developed gestational diabetes while pregnant are also at risk (Mayo Clinic, 2006).

While it is important to note that type II diabetes develops slowly, if one or more of the above-mentioned risk factors apply to any person, they should be on the lookout for the common symptoms of type II diabetes. These symptoms can include flu-like symptoms, weight fluctuations, blurred vision, slow-healing sores or frequent infections, nerve damage, and red, swollen, or tender gums. The earliest warning signs for type II are said to be increased thirst and frequent urination, "because excess glucose circulating in your body draws water from your tissues, making you feel dehydrated. To quench your thirst, you may drink more water and other beverages -- which leads to more frequent urination" (Mayo Clinic 2006).

Clearly, prevention is extremely important in the battle against type II diabetes. Leading a healthy lifestyle is the single-most important factor people can control, which means eating healthy foods (foods low in fat and calories), getting plenty of physical activity (30 minutes per day), and losing excess pounds (even losing 10 pounds can help). These methods can also type II sufferers from developing more serious problems later on down the road (Mayo Clinic. 2006).

Both people who know they have type II diabetes are people who are unaware can develop serious complications from the disease, particularly if it is not treated properly. Complications that can arise from type II diabetes include heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, eye complications, nerve damage, foot problems, skin complications, and depression. By keeping their blood sugar as close to normal as possible, people with type II diabetes can drastically reduce their risks for these painful complications (American Diabetes Association 2007).

Type II diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. This is a preventable disease. The concern about this disease has been increasing in the recent years. People have started educating the youth more seriously about type II diabetes. People already affected with diabetes II are educated about how to face it. The affected person goes through many physical and psychological changes. Excessive weight gains, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, body sores, drowsiness, depression, anger and aggression are few changes that occur in type II diabetic patient (Nathan, 2006). This means additional medical cost and care are needed to fight depression and other psychological problems because of type II diabetes.

Millions of people around the world are diagnosed with type II diabetes every year. Many have never heard of the disease, though some do know a few facts. Some major causes of type II diabetes are obesity, sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, improper functioning of pancreas and family history of diabetes. Most of the causes of type II diabetes are preventable still the percentage of people affected by this disease remains high.

Studies have shown that people, who derive support and care from the society, family, friends, and specially spouse, recover faster from an illness. Type II diabetes is a disease highly influenced by self-care. According to a study, less marital stress might result in better adherence if it translates into higher spousal involvement in the self-care regimen. Poor marital quality may also be a stressor that alters physiology, as it has been shown that higher general stress levels are associated with poorer regulation of blood glucose in patients with type II diabetic patients (Shea, 2006). Moreover, high marital stress could directly affect blood glucose, which would in turn affect the patient more.

People currently suffering from type II diabetes may participate in following remedies: follow a healthy eating plan so they can keep blood sugar levels under control and grow normally, exercise regularly, take insulin shots or medicines that help insulin work better in their body, check blood sugar levels, get treatment for other health problems that can happen more often in people with type II diabetes, like high blood pressure or problems with the levels of fats in their blood and maintain a healthy martial relationship and avoid getting into conflicts with family member, friends and other people in the society

Researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are predicting that "one in three children born in the United States in 2000 will likely develop type II diabetes unless they get more exercise and improve their diets. The prediction was especially serious for Latino children. Without changes in diet and exercise, their odds of developing diabetes as they grow older were about 50-50" (Woolston, 2006). Type II diabetes continues to grow reaching an increasing number of children, minorities and low-income families.

The formation of an Education for Prevention Program (EPP) is proposed for intervention purposes for slowing the spread of this disease. Primary focus will be directed at school-age adolescents, and secondary focus will target minority groups, low-income and at-risk families, and those over the age of 45. Primary directives will include a partnership with the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services, Healthy Communities Innovation Initiative, and two bilingual campaigns - "Take Time