|
Diabetes |
A Life Threatening Disease |
Bio 490Dr. Wendy DixonCalifornia State Polytechnic, Pomona Ca. |
By: Arlene Silva |
6/16/2013 |
Abstract: Diabetes is a disease that affects 18.2 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, medication 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. While scientists do not know what causes diabetes, they do know that it is caused from a variety of factors that can vary from person to person. Examples of these factors are heredity, being overweight, and problems with beta cells, which are located in the pancreas. Diabetes can result in blurred vision, retinopathy, nerve problems, dry skin, and kidney issues. Diet plays a major role in the prevention of these problems. Sugar concentration in the blood is a major factor for diabetics, so understanding the sugar content of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates is essential. The goal from a diet perspective is to control your sugar in your bloodstream in such a way that the insulin in your bloodstream can manage it efficiently. In addition to diet, medication and exercise play a key role in controlling this disease. Currently, there is no known cure for diabetes. |
Introduction:
Diabetes is a chronic disease and is known as a “silent killer” because it contributes to approximately 18% of all deaths in the United States among patients who are age 25 and older. Diabetes is a life-long disease marked by elevated levels of glucose in the blood. Diabetes is caused by not producing enough insulin, resistance to insulin, or both. Insulin is a hormone produce by Beta cells which are located in the Islets of...