Introduction
Diseases like Diabetes make it difficult for the body to regulate glucose levels, leading to hyperglycemia and frequent occurrences of high blood sugar. This disease causes many complications, including kidney disease and blindness. Diabetes is a progressive condition that should be medicated rather than treated as a chronic illness until it leads to significant damage, such as blindness or heart failure (Bilous et al., 2021). This research paper will provide the audience with the information they need to tackle this problem. The writer of this paper will be able to communicate his point of view with confidence, authority, and vigor.
History of Diabetes
For centuries, people have been subject to the disease and its effects. The earliest recorded cases of Diabetes are from ancient Egypt and Greece, around 600 BC (Jörgens & Porta, 2020). The first known case of Diabetes in Europe was in England in 1265 AD (Jörgens & Porta, 2020). At this time, it was believed that people who were overweight tended to develop Diabetes. In the 1800s, scientists began understanding that type 2 diabetes could be caused by genetics, diet, and lifestyle choices (Bilous et al., 2021). According to Jörgens & Porta (2020), in 1815 AD, German physician Ignaz Philipp Semmelweis observed that doctors who had contracted an infection due to their work would also acquire it from patients who had just delivered babies at his hospital.
The disease was initially thought to be caused by too much food in a person’s stomach. In the 16th century, medical experts linked Diabetes and poor hygiene, but it was not until the 19th century that they began to think about sugar as a possible cause (Jörgens & Porta, 2020).
In 1922, a doctor named Frederick Banting and Sir John Macleod discovered that injecting a muscle-building hormone called insulin into people with Diabetes could stop their condition from worsening (Jörgens & Porta, 2020). In 1934, researchers at the University of Toronto demonstrated that injecting insulin into animals would cause them to develop Diabetes if they were fed high amounts of sugar for extended periods (Bliss, 2021). This research was one of many studies done throughout the 1930s and 1940s that demonstrated that sugar could cause type 1 diabetes in humans.
Description of the Disease
Diabetes has become one of the most prevalent illnesses worldwide. It affects over 422 million people and has been increasing in prevalence due to the growing global obesity epidemic (Bilous et al., 2021). It is estimated that around 1 in 10 adults worldwide have Diabetes. The primary cause of Diabetes is a deficiency of insulin production, which results in hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) (Chalmers, 2019). The body releases more insulin than it needs to regulate glucose levels, and this excess insulin also contributes to hyperglycemia.
Type 1 and 2 of the disease are the most frequent types of the disorder. Type 1 results from the immune system attacking and killing off beta cells that produce insulin. An insulin pump is necessary for people with this kind of disease which help them maintain normal blood sugar levels (Chalmers, 2019). Type 2 diabetes develops when there is a poor response by the pancreas to insulin signals from the brain. People with type 2 diabetes can still produce some insulin independently without the help of physicians or nurses. They do not need to take medicine daily or have their glucose levels monitored often.
Anatomy of the System(s) Involved
Diabetes comprises three main parts: the pancreas, which produces insulin; the beta cells in the islets of Langerhans; and the body’s immune system. The pancreas lies beneath the liver and underneath the stomach. (Chalmers, 2019). It produces two hormones: insulin and glucagon. The pancreas also produces some digestive juices, which help digest food in the small intestine after enzymes in the mouth and stomach have broken down food. The primary function of insulin is to regulate glucose (sugar) metabolism in one’s body. Glucose is a nutrient in foods like fruit, grains, milk, and vegetables (Chalmers, 2019).
When glucose comes into contact with proteins in blood vessels or fat cells, it causes them to release hormones (like insulin). After being secreted into the circulation, insulin makes its way to cells all over the body, interacting with other hormones to control glucose levels.
Effects on Other Body Systems
One of the most common effects of Diabetes is damage to blood vessels. This disease may lead to blindness, leg ulcers, nerve damage, and even heart disease (Ferris et al., 2020). It also increases the risk of kidney failure and amputation. Another effect of Diabetes is increased uric acid levels in the bloodstream, leading to gout. Gout causes joint pain and may cause swelling or redness around joints in your hands or feet. It also causes fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss due to uric acid causing inflammation throughout your body. Diabetes can further lead to changes in metabolism that affect insulin production, increasing c-reactive protein levels and inflammation throughout your body (Chalmers, 2019). Inflammation leads to problems with digestion, such as indigestion or constipation.
Cause of the Disease
The causes of Diabetes include genetics, lifestyle factors, and health conditions. Diabetes in humans may have some genetic components; however, it is unknown why certain people develop this disease (Krishnasamy & Abell, 2018). It is believed that specific genes in the human body increase the risk of developing Diabetes. Diabetic risk is affected both by and influenced by dietary and physical activity habits. Increased fat cells and associated insulin resistance make obesity the greatest risk factor for developing type 2 of the disorder. Other causes include age, race/ethnicity, family history, physical activity, and stress.
Signs and Symptoms
They include:
- Blood sugar levels that are too high.
- Fatigue and exhaustion.
- Vision blurred.
- Weight loss or gain, especially around the belly area.
- Frequent urination.
- Excessive thirst.
Diagnosis of the Disease
Diabetes is a complex disease that can be diagnosed with various methods. In recent years, however, there has been a shift towards using genetic testing for diagnosis. This method offers several advantages over other techniques, including allowing for more accurate testing and personalized treatment plans based on your DNA results (Chalmers, 2019). For someone with type 2 diabetes (NIDDM) to have their condition diagnosed correctly, they will most likely require a fasting blood sugar test at their doctor’s office at least once every year, if not twice per year; however, this may vary depending on how severe their symptoms are.
Complications
Several complications can occur in people who have Diabetes, including kidney failure, blindness, and nerve damage. In addition, several types of diabetic retinopathy may lead to blindness if left untreated or undiagnosed for an extended period (Ferris et al., 2020). To prevent these complications from occurring or from progressing, people with Diabetes must monitor their blood glucose levels regularly and follow a healthy diet plan that limits carbohydrates in favor of high-fiber foods such as fruits and vegetables.
Treatment and Side Effects
The treatment for Diabetes depends on the type of Diabetes one has, as well as other factors such as age, whether or not one is overweight or obese, how much insulin one needs to take, and how well their kidneys function. First is Insulin injections: Insulin helps regulate blood sugar by stimulating cells in the pancreas to produce more insulin (Bliss, 2021). Insulin injections are given once or twice daily depending on one’s medication or diet plan; this is usually combined with another medication called oral drugs or diet pills. Second is Oral medications: These include tablets or capsules prescribed by a doctor; these can help lower blood glucose levels and prevent long-term damage from occurring in body cells when they do not respond appropriately to insulin production. Its side effects are numerous and include Weight gain, Heart disease, Kidney disease, Fatigue, and Dizziness. There are many other side effects as well. It is essential to know the risks of Diabetes to make informed decisions about one’s health.
Conclusion
According to current scientific studies, multiple variables, including weight and heredity, have been linked to the development of Diabetes. Several studies have also connected elevated stress levels to an increased risk of acquiring the disease. The primary strategy of preventing the disorder in high-risk individuals is keeping a healthy weight through a balanced diet and frequent physical exercise. Although it can be challenging to manage, there are many things one can do to prevent Diabetes from getting worse. Therefore, in my opinion, if one is unsure where to start with their diet, they should consider trying these three simple steps: eat breakfast daily, choose low-glycemic index foods, and drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day.
References
Bilous, R., Donnelly, R., & Idris, I. (2021). Handbook of Diabetes. John Wiley & Sons.
Bliss, M. (2021). The Discovery of Insulin: Special Centenary Edition. University of Toronto Press.
Chalmers, C. (2019). Applied anatomy and physiology and the renal disease process. Renal Nursing: Care and Management of People with Kidney Disease, 21-58. Web.
Ferris, J. K., Inglis, J. T., Madden, K. M., & Boyd, L. A. (2020). Brain and body: a review of central nervous system contributions to movement impairments in Diabetes. Diabetes, 69(1), 3-11. Web.
Jörgens, V., & Porta, M. (Eds.). (2020). Unveiling Diabetes-Historical Milestones in Diabetology. Karger Medical and Scientific Publishers.
Krishnasamy, S., & Abell, T. L. (2018). Diabetic gastroparesis: principles and current trends in management. Diabetes Therapy, 9(1), 1-42. Web.