Diabetes: Signs, Symptoms And Other Factors
The intention of this essay is to examine the general feeling of those who are suffering from type 2 diabetes and discuss some origins, signs including treatment needs. This subject was chosen because of the number of people currently receiving diagnoses for treatment. Traditionally, this illness was believed to be a disease for those above forty years, now it is found amongst adolescence. Diabetes is an enduring disorder that allows an individual’s blood sugar level to increase (Diabetes UK 2018).
To manage this disease a good understanding of the signs, symptoms, and other factors at the early stage will be vital.
According to Diabetes UK (2016), they stated that 10% over the 40s have the illness meaning that persons having diabetes have reached 4.7m while 5.5m people are likely to become diabetic by 2030.
The World Health Organization WHO (2006), stated that there are two main types of diabetes namely: type 1 and type 2. Both have similar symbols and symptoms that are connected to high blood glucose levels in the bloodstream. The NHS, (2017), defined type 1 diabetes as a condition produced through damage of beta cells of the pancreas. Peate, (2009), described type two as an ailment considered by excessive glucose levels in the blood as a result of insulin resistance to the tissue. The NHS (2017), further concluded that it cost the trust money to care for individuals with diabetes. Over the years, research has shown that some factors such as genetics, age, and ethnicity all play a part (DSM 2020). Peate, (2009), further explained that onset signals of type 2 diabetes can include – increased thirsty, increased appetite, and increased times of passing urine, especially at night.
According to Mayo Clinic, (2004) it stated that social life factors such as alcohol, smoking, and stress, the overweight and genetic profile can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes. Though, there are many ways this disease can be managed. Management of type 2 diabetes can be done through good dieting, exercising, and medication (The Mayo Clinic 2004). As a diabetic individual is imperative that you identify the types of food that you can eat because some food can increase blood sugar levels. Physical activities are another important part of your diabetes management plan because, during exercise, your muscles use sugar (glucose) for energy (The Mayo Clinic, 2004).
Diabetes has a huge impact on general health. WHO, (2015) proved that diabetes impacts people’s health because of the excess blood glucose levels that destroy the blood vessels and nerves all over the body and cause problems including, damage to the heart, nerves, the kidney, and eyes as well as contributing to cardiovascular disease and stroke hence affecting the quality of life.
According to DOH, (2005), the guidelines aimed at introducing better care ideas for people living with diabetes so that they can live life to the full including those at risk of developing diabetes. This appears to be successful by providing appropriate advice on healthy diet by reducing the amount of sugar and fat that is eaten and replacing it with fruits and vegetables. Encouraging regular physical activities, advice patients if necessary, to lose weight, and those smoking to stop since it contributes to the risk to
The National Service Framework (2005) improved the quality of care for patients living with diabetes by reducing its impact on people’s health. It implemented patient-centred care so that patients can make their own decisions regarding their health. Supported by Kozier et al (2008) that individualised care plans are being used by nurses from the time the diabetic patient is admitted up to the time the patient is referred to the specialists to help in controlling symptoms in the community.
NICE (2011), guidelines provided national guidance on promoting good health, preventing and treating ill-health for diabetic patients. They gave advice and support on routine blood checks including blood for Haemoglobin so that nurses can analyse the general picture of the average level of blood sugar in the blood for a period. The above strategies have been achieved through nurses using models of approach to health promotion.
It is believed that Health promotion is a method of allowing people to increase control over their health WHO, (2018). According to Nicol, (2015), nurses looking after diabetes patients should deliver health promotion using a conceptualization model of health change focussing on improving patient’s health at whatever the stage of their disease progression.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this report has shown that diabetes is a big concern in the NHS and worldwide. The second major concern is the cost of treating diabetes and its chronic nature. All the studies have persuasively recommended that group education is a real way of controlling the illness among the sufferers. However, educational programs should be carefully planned while taking into consideration cultural diversity, gender, as well as the education status of the patients to effectively meet their needs. As most research has highlighted diabetes affects the low socio-economic classes and that there is a need to address the problem at the grass root level. Healthcare professionals in the primary healthcare system should continuously be trained on how to engage with patients to enable them to take control of their health conditions. Diet, nutrition, and exercise education programs can also be utilized to help patients to take control with the help of their friends and families. Self-management is the most promising method of controlling type two diabetes among adults. This review has found out that diabetes educational programs make self-management cost-effective with the necessary resources.
