Diabetes Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Diabetes - Research Paper Example Diabetes describes a group of metabolic diseases in which the person has high blood glucose, also known as blood sugar, either because insulin production in the body is inadequate or the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin, or both occur at the same time (Nordqvist). Furthermore, he states that people with diabetes experience frequent urination, become increasingly thirsty and hungry. The following are the major symptoms of diabetes: constant tiredness; unexplained weight loss; excessive thirst; excessive urination; excessive eating; poor wound healing; infections such as yeast infections of the genitals, skin infections and frequent urinary tract infections; altered mental status shown through agitation, unexplained irritability, inattention, extreme lethargy or confusion; and finally, blurred vision (Ferry). If a person experiences these symptoms, he or she should call a health care professional for assistance. There are many factors that contribute to oneâ€℠¢s getting diabetes, which include genetics, lifestyle, and the environment in which a person lives. Family history (genetics) is a factor in the development of diabetes but it alone does not determine the onset of the disease; moreover, some people are born with a predisposition for the disease but that environmental factors are needed to trigger the disease (Chandler). Age is also a factor in determining whether one has diabetes or whether he has the potential to have it and an example of this is in the case of juvenile diabetes which is usually diagnosed during childhood or young adulthood. Obesity is a major risk factor with eighty to ninety percent of all diabetes patients being obese. A high fat diet and extra body fat can make the liver increase the production of glucose. A lack of physical activity in addition to contributing to obesity also increases the risk of developing diabetes because during exercise, the cells in the body take in seven to twenty times more glucose tha n it does at rest. However, while genetics play an important role, an individual still has the responsibility to take very good care of their health to prevent diabetes (Stoppler). She insists that people should watch their weight and exercise more to ensure that the probability of getting the disease especially those with a genetic predisposition to do so, is greatly reduced. Furthermore, diet is also important because it helps with weight loss because there are some foods such as nuts which when consumed in small amounts provide benefits in blood sugar regulation. There are some tests available which can be used to see whether a person is at an increased risk of getting the disease and these should be done frequently to ensure that there is early detection of the disease. Smoking is harmful in many ways because it not only increases the risk of cancer and heart disease, but it also increases the risk of developing diabetes. There are numerous national organizations that conduct re search and provide information and physical referrals for cases of diabetes. A very good example is of this is Diabetes Australia, which is an Australian non–profit organization which works in partnership with diabetes consumer organizations, health professionals, educators, and researchers to minimize the