Diabetes Archives - Page 13 of 42

The Rising Issues Of Diabetes In The UK: Academic Writing

Posted on December 15, 2024 | by Laureen

Section 1.

In the first part of this assignment I will be writing about the key academic writing styles and why it is important. Academic writing is a formal type of writing that structures you to write professionally, using the right type of vocabulary and technique.

Academic writing is a relatively formal, this means that in an essay a person should avoid colloquial words and expressions. Academic writing is well structured type of writing, it flows easily from one section to the next in a logical fashion. According to (Stella Cottrell 2013) there are different types of academic writing, these styles are descriptive, argumentative, evaluative and personal, drawing on the writer’s own experience. ‘Cottrell 2013’ states that descriptive writing is the easiest style of writing in assignment because we are used to describing things in everyday life. On the contrary, it is easy to give too much detail and for the main purpose of the description. In university you more likely to be asked to describe anything, the main purpose of describing is to be precise and to give essential background information so that it can be analyse significant features in more details.

Academic writing is used in formal essays and assessment, in a higher type of education, for Example University and also when writing a CV. When writing an assignment it is important to choose the appropriate type of writing styles because it lets the writers writing to be more precise and clear because of the use of continuous prose and the use of formal English. Formal English shows clarity because it allows the reader to understand what the writer is trying to state.

Academic writing requires formal language, a logical structure and should be supported with evidence. It is important to support your evidence because it shows that your evidence is a reliable source.

To conclude the reason why academic writing styles is important because it helps the writer to think critically, present complex ideas logically, boosts creativity, confidence and writing skills. These skills are every essential in university but also after when a person graduates and there looking for a job. Academic writing allows the writer to convince the reader that they understand what they are talking about. Communicating with the reader clearly is important, it shows that the writer is precise and clear with what there trying to state.

The second part of this assignment i will introducing my topic of interest. My topic of interest about ‘The rising issues of diabetes in the UK’.

Diabetes is a serious illness that can lead to stroke, heart disease, blindness and kidney failure. Britain has been facing a huge increase of diabetes since 1996, it has been estimated that by 2025 over four million people will have diabetes in the UK. According to (diabetes UK facts and figures) there are 3,116,399 people living with diabetes. The most common type of diabetes that will affect individual is type two diabetes because there is an ageing population and the rising number of overweight and obese people.

There are two types of diabetes, type one and type two diabetes. There are 10 percent of people living with type one diabetes. Type one diabetes is the cause of the level of glucose to become too high. Your body is not producing enough insulin that controls your glucose. They will need to be inject themselves with insulin in order to control the glucose in their body. While type two diabetes is not making enough insulin in their body. Type two diabetes happens to overweight people and it can be genetic. According to (Diabetes uk) there are 90% of people living with diabetes.

In addition I will be finding out why diabetes is an issue in the UK and what causes people to get diabetes.

Section 2

The second part of this assignment is about understanding how research is used for social enquiry. This assignment requires the use articles that are quantitative and qualitative.

Article 1

The title of the article is ‘supporting participation in physical education at school in youth with type 1 diabetes: perceptions of teachers, youth with type 1 diabetes, parents and diabetes professionals’. This is a qualitative article. The introduction of this articles explains what physical activity is and why it is essential in schools. The methods used in this article was data collection. They created focus groups and interviews that lasted up to 30-45 minutes. There was 78 people involved in the focus groups and the interview. Discussions were audio recorded and researchers took notes on nonverbal discussions. Demographic data were captured by questionnaire. Recording were transcribed verbatim. The result of this data collection, was that they saw different ways on how children with type 1 diabetes in school can be supported, mostly during PE times. They also got diabetes professionals to train the teachers and parents on how to support a child with diabetes.

Article 2

‘Change in overweight from childhood to early adulthood and risk of type 2 diabetes.’

This is a qualitative research. This article is about how a child that is overweight from young can affect them in their adulthood. The method taken in this research was that the height and weight of 62,565 men between the age of 7 and 13 were measured annually till their early adulthood and compared to men in their adulthood. The results showed young men who were overweight before the age of 13 had the risk of getting diabetes between the ages of 30 to 60.

Article 3

‘Patients in waiting: a qualitative study of type 2 diabetes patients’ perceptions of diagnosis’.

This is a qualitative article. This article is about examining how diagnosis is perceived by a sample of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients. The method used in this research was that they interviewed 40 newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes in four local health care co-operatives and three hospital clinics. The result of this method was that they saw that the clarity, timing and authority of the diagnosis delivery were important to the patients. Patients that were not referred to a hospital did not receive any referral. The patients that did received referral from the doctors, was finding it problematic to receive a hospital appointment. To conclude the practitioners need to convey to patients, so that they can find out more about their diagnosis, and the service given should be integrated during their short period of time so that they can receive the best effect.

Article 4

‘Is relationship quality linked to diabetes risk and management’?

This is a quantitative research. This research is about how the quality of marriage and marriage- like relationships has a risk of developing diabetes and being able to effectively manage the disease once it has been developed. The method the researchers used was that they examined how aspects of marriage are linked to diabetes and whether these links are seen as a socio demographic characteristics related to health. The result of this method was that they found out that strain and marital risk were linked to an increased risk of developing diabetes and strain poor communication were linked to an increase of poor diabetes management. They also found out that material support was linked to lower risk of diabetes except for those with a lower income.

Article 5

‘Perceived peer support and diabetes management from adolescence into early emerging adulthood’. This is a quantitative research. This research is about the examining of perceived diabetes specific to peer support with adherence and glycaemic control among late adolescents with type 1 diabetes as they transfer from high school into early emerging adulthood. The method used in this type of large study is they carried out a confidential online survey with 211 high school seniors that has type 1 diabetes. This survey was later reassessed a year later. The result of this survey shows that perceived diabetes specific peer support might be a protective factor as late adolescents with type 1 diabetes transition out of high school. They also found out that building a strong peer support during the transition into early emerging adulthood may facilitate better diabetes management during their high risk time of development.

Article 6

‘Daily sleep quality and daily stressors in couples coping with type 1 diabetes’

This is a quantitative research. The research was introduced to examine the influence of daily sleep quality in patient with type 1 diabetes on that their spouses and to investigate the influence of couples’ sleep quality on patients’ diabetes- specific stressors and couples’ general stressors the following day. The methods that they used to carry out this research was that they gathered 199 patients with type 1 diabetes and their spouses , the patients had to complete a fourteen day diary where they reported on their own sleep quality, and the presence of general stressors. The results shows that the daily sleep of the patients was related to their spouse’s greater quality of sleep. The better sleep quality might reduce due to them being diabetic and may lead to general stress with their spouses.

Discussion

My research helped me to develop an understanding on how diabetes is an issue in the world and how many people are affected by this chronic illness. The findings from my study shows that there are numerous of people living with diabetes, and this is having an effect on their health. Diabetes is a chronic condition associated with abnormally high levels of sugar in the blood. The Insulin produced by the pancreas lowers blood glucose. If there is an absence of insulin or if the body is unable to produce insulin this causes diabetes. The reason why I picked this topic of interest because lately in the news there has been an issue about the sugar tax, the reason why there has been an increase in sugar tax, is that people tend to switch to cheaper foods , and the cheaper food are usually the unhealthy foods. But since there was an increase in sugar tax, drink manufactures are putting less sugar in drinks. The aim of this sugar tax introduction was to decrease the rate of type 2 diabetes for all age groups in the UK.

My topic of interest and my research both link because my topic of interest is about the rising issues of diabetes in the UK, and my research shows different types of way on how people are affected by diabetes.

There was a lot of information that is found about diabetes, but the only thing that I failed to interpret in this assignment was to show why diabetes was still going to an issue each year. However there was a lot of reliable article that were found that helped me to find out about how diabetic people manage their chronic illness.

In my research I found out that diabetes is not only common among adults but also young children. The article about the ‘Change in overweight from childhood to early adulthood and risk of type 2 diabetes’ shows that if a child is not eating right and getting the right amount of exercise from young they are most likely to get type 2 diabetes in their later adulthood. I also found out through the article; ‘Is relationship quality linked to diabetes risk and management’, that if an individual come from a low income family they are more likely to get type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is linked to being overweight. People who are from a low income family will not be able to afford a healthy lifestyle, this is going to have an impact on their quality of life and also affect their life expectancy.

People are starting to be more aware of diabetes; ‘supporting participation in physical education at school in youth with type 1 diabetes: perceptions of teachers, youth with type 1 diabetes, parents and diabetes professionals’. This article shows that schools are trying to ensure that all pupils are taken part in PE and also trying to lengthen the time for people so that children are improving their health, so that they are not at risk of getting diabetes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, diabetes is a big issue in the UK and there has been different strategies on how to reduce diabetes. Even though diabetes is an chronic illness that has an impact on the life of individuals, it is hard to reduce the rate of diabetes, when it is linked to poverty, because an individual is from a low income family the they are not going to be able to afford an healthy lifestyle for themselves. So there’s always going to be an issue with diabetes, mostly type two diabetes which is linked to obesity.

Glucose Level Control in Patients with Diabetes

Posted on December 15, 2024 | by Laureen

Diabetes is one of the most prolific diseases in human history, claiming almost 2 million lives every year. It affects the cells’ ability to uptake glucose present in the blood to produce energy, which can lead to hyperglycemia and other co-morbidities if left untreated. Thus, the monitoring of these glucose levels is a key management strategy and is an ongoing challenge faced by people suffering from diabetes mellitus daily. The technology and knowledge necessary for this has progressed rapidly, allowing for a quick and reliable measure of blood glucose levels through the measurement of the serum marker HBA1c that relates to the level of glycated hemoglobin in the blood. However, modern glucometers are invasive and need a fresh sample of blood, this requirement is a major factor in diminished patient compliance with treatment and regulation. Developments in non-invasive glucose monitoring can remove this issue by using technology that detects changes in the blood glucose such as iontophoresis and spectroscopy. These methods, while not perfect, have already seen some success in technological trials and future research into the potential for self-regulation of glucose levels within a closed loop system is promising.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a pandemic that has affected over 451 million people worldwide in 2017 and is expected to affect and estimated 693 million by 2045 (GAIL FERNANDES, 2018). It affects the body’s ability to produce and utilize insulin, leading to hyperglycemia as cells are unable to use glucose for energy (Florez, 2016). The monitoring of blood glucose is has evolved from obscure methods such as urine tasting used in the past, to modern blood glucose strips of colorimetry. As technology improved, more advanced glucometers were developed, eventually self-calibrated precise self-monitored blood glucose biosensors are available (Kranti Shreesh Khadilkar, 2013). Glycated hemoglobin (HBA1c) estimation remains the gold standard for monitoring glucose as an endpoint for drug intervention studies (SK, 2012). Additionally, performing these tests frequently (up to 4 times a day) is an essential part of chronic diabetes management. As almost all commercially successful blood glucose monitoring devices are invasive, such self-testing technique depend on inconvenient and painful sampling of blood from the tip of the finger which has been shown to compromise patient compliance (Trisha Dunning, 2013). Thus, there is a tremendous need to develop non-invasive blood glucose monitoring devices that will alleviate the pain and suffering of diabetics associated with frequent measurements. Numerous developments in non-invasive technological field have been taking place over the past decade, emphasizing the need for a critical review of the current methods and its potential future applications.

DM can be split into two types. Type 1, earlier referred to as ‘juvenile-onset diabetes’, accounts for 5-10% of diabetes and is caused by cell-mediated autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells which produce insulin (GAIL FERNANDES, 2018). It usually presents as extreme hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis, and as the body is unable to produce insulin, the only current therapy is to provide regular injections throughout the day. Further research into the cause of this auto-immune destruction is needed, but it is known to be linked to the HLA gene, which regulates the expression of the immune system (Florez, 2016). Type 2 on the other hand, is more widespread, accounting for 90-95% of all cases. The patients affected show insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency, rather than a complete absence (Surendra S. Borgharkar, 2019). As such, they may not need insulin therapy to treat it and a combination of medication and a healthy lifestyle has been shown to mitigate the effects (Mahbub Alam, 2019). With age, obesity, and absence of physical activity, the risk of developing type 2 DM rises. In some racial / ethnic subgroups (African American, American Indian, Hispanic/Latino, and Asian American) it occurs more frequently (Florez, 2016). A genetic predisposition is often observed, more so than type 1, however the genetic basis for the disease is still poorly understood and the presumed family genetic history can be explained by the shared lifestyle and environmental factors associated with DM.

HBA1c is a glycated type of hemoglobin that is increased in patients with DM (Trisha Dunning, 2013). It measures a physiological mechanism of non-enzymatic glycation, a surrogate for glycation for other proteins in the body and a precursor to the complications that arise from diabetes. Serum HBA1c levels are not affected by short term changes in diet and can therefore be used as a measurable biomarker to provide an indirect estimate of the progressive onset of DM (Kranti Shreesh Khadilkar, 2013). However, all circumstances affecting the lifespan of red blood cells and haemoglobinopathies can lead to non-glycemic differences and unreliable HBA1c measurements. Therefore, HBA1c must therefore be cannot be reliably used circumstances that result in conditions such as anemia and chronic kidney disease (Surendra S. Borgharkar, 2019). Another significant restriction is that it does not portray the glycemic variability in the short term, it is therefore of no value for taking acute or short-term decisions. It may not be appropriate in instances where there is a need to monitor and regulate glycemic control in a short time, such as gestational DM (Kranti Shreesh Khadilkar, 2013).

Iontophoresis has been studied as a potential method of non-invasive glucose measurement (NGM). It is a process already used as accepted in the medical community as a method to deliver transdermal drugs using voltage gradient (Mahbub Alam, 2019). This method can be modified by reverse iontophoresis to transport glucose in the opposite direction to the electric potential. The glucose molecules in the interstitial fluid are uncharged, and thus are carried from the anode to the cathode by the movement of charged ions, where they are collected and measured using a standard glucometer (SK, 2012). A recent proof of concept has taken this concept and applied it into a tattoo which consists of anodic and cathodic contingent inks. The potential of this research is massive as once realized, it could allow the patient to monitor their glucose levels without having to carry a separate device or take blood in public, which carries a certain stigma within society (Wenzhao Jia, 2014). However, while it has been successfully adopted into technology, there are some drawbacks to its use compared to HBA1c measurement. The primary goal of NGM – to reduce pain – is challenged, as frequent exposure to the electrical currents has been shown to cause skin irritation in trials. The sensor is also heavily affected by the salt ions present in sweat, so they must be stationary for the duration of the measurement (SK, 2012). A potential solution to the electricity induced irritation problem can be seen in recently patented technology; a method for the continuous monitoring of blood glucose (CGM) in a patient’s blood vessel using a non-invasive sensor composed of a radio band patch antenna. The device determines the blood glucose concentration in a blood vessel based on the non-invasive antenna sensor’s resonant frequency shift based on the level of glucose within. It uses non-ionizing electro-magnetic radiation and poses no danger of provoking adverse side effects in the patient (USA Patent No. US20190231237A1, 2019).

When light is focused on biological samples, it reflects, disperses and transmits on the basis of the sample’s structural and chemical composition (SK, 2012). Consequently, some NGM methods are aimed at determining the optical signature of glucose, allowing it to be differentiated from and measured within the blood non-invasively. The concentration of glucose within the blood plasma has been seen to affect red blood cells’ (RBC’s) membrane, bioimpedance spectroscopy is utilized in such a manner to detect changes within a red blood cells’ membrane and relate it to the level of glucose in the blood. However, the results can be affected based on the water content of the blood as well as by diseases that affect the membranes of RBC’s (Mahbub Alam, 2019). Raman spectroscopy is a solution to this problem as it measures the wavelengths of scattered light within blood to detect signals specific to glucose. Water has a low scattering index and does not interfere with this method (SK, 2012).

Non-invasive continuous blood glucose management is a step that science will need to take if the problem of DM is to be solved for good. HBA1c monitoring, while functional and usable by a majority of patients is reliant on patient compliance and self-regulation. A continuous glucose monitoring device connected to an insulin pump in a closed loop forms the fundamental background of an artificial pancreas, which is the end goal of diabetes management, and is an unrealistic dream with today’s technology. However, with an optimistic outlook, along with future research into non-invasive measurements can eventually realize this dream of a self-regulating pancreas and the eventual elimination of diabetes as a major worldwide threat.

Cancer Related to Obesity and Diabetes

Posted on December 15, 2024 | by Laureen

The journal article that I chose to do a journal review on is written by Guido Eibl, Zobeida Cruz-Monserrate, Murray Korc, Maxim S. Petrov, Mark O. Goodarzi, William E. Fisher, Aida Habtezion, Aurelia Lugea, Stephen J. Pandol, Phil A. Hart, Dana K. Andersen, published in 2017. The title of the article is called “Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity as Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer”, sourced from Journal of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

The main objective of this journal article is to gain insights on how factors identified by large epidemiologic and cohort studies such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus affect risk factors for the expected to become the seconding leading cancer-related cause of death by 2030, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) development. Preventing PDAC is a better solution as currently the cure for PDAC is not efficient and thus, efforts have been put in by researchers to understand how risk factors such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus lead to development of PDAC. With greater understanding, researchers can attempt to come up with preventive strategies which is of utmost importance.

The research was done through archival study, by using various reports and studies conducted. Hyperinsulinemia and high levels of insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1) which is commonly found in most obese people and people who are suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus can act as a detrimental growth-promoting factor of PDAC. PDAC may be influenced by dietary intake such as carbohydrate and fat intake, meat, fruits and vegetables. A prospective cohort study shows that it is statistically significant that saturated fat from animal source was associated with higher PDAC risk strongest among the other types of fat. Recent studies showed that metformin and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids can decrease or inhibit cancer cell growth and lower risk of PDAC. However, the article argues that PDAC molecular mechanisms and interaction are still not explored extensively even though the risk factors that encourage PDAC development have been known for decades. For example, the exact molecular and signalling pathways and their intricate interaction are still not sufficiently explored. Precise contribution and molecular signals of different adipose tissue depots and possible gender differences on development of PDAC are still unknown.

The literature review was able to reveal gaps in the knowledge clearly and allow readers to gain insights on the mechanism and interaction of PDAC prevention in relation to dietary factors. The author was able to clearly define and state their research topic and objectives. Diagrams were used to show how type 2 diabetes mellitus promotes PDAC and how adipose tissue dysfunction during obesity which helps readers to understand better. Figures were used to show geographical indications of prevalence of diabetes mellitus, obesity and pancreatic cancer. The author indicated that investigators of the study of chronic pancreatitis, diabetes and pancreatic cancer are applying lessons learnt from this article to gain insights in the mechanism of how diabetes and inflammation promotes PDAC.

The full form of abbreviations was given and examples of were provided for some phrases. For example, in the article, examples of histologic features of adipose tissue inflammation was given. Alternative of specialized terminology were also stated. For example, in the article, the alternative stated in bracket for desmoplastic reaction is stated as dense fibroblastic reaction. The details of the studies conducted were stated such as the sample sizes and methods of each study. For example, in the article, under ‘Fruits and Vegetables’ section, they have stated the sample size of 81,922 individuals in Sweden using multivariate analysis. However, the sample size varies from different studies. Some studies have smaller sample size whereas some have greater sample size.

The authors of this article did summarize the pre-existing knowledge that are related to possible causes of PDAC. They have stated in the conclusion that there is no definite factor discovered yet that promotes or prevent PDAC. For example, it was stated that obesity caused by high carbohydrate intake or calorie intake increases the prevalence of PDAC.

The authors recommended that more efforts should be taken to further understand the relation between obesity, diabetes and PDAC. They have also suggested that available pre-clinical animal models can be used to aid in further understanding of this study. The references used were from reliable sources and were properly referenced.

The limitations of the study discussed were that the results and factors were uncertain due to lack of studies and research on PDAC prevention. For example, the effect of signals of different adipose tissue depots on development of PDAC is still currently unknown. The gender and age range of sample were not stated in some of the studies that were used to support research. Gender and age may also be a factor of PDAC prevention or promotes PDAC and thus, leading to inaccuracy. The methods and instrument used for measuring results were not clearly stated and explained in detail. Under the dietary factor section of the article, only one prospective cohort study is used to support how various dietary related influences affect risk for PDAC which is insufficient. A greater number of studies are required in order to support its findings.

In conclusion, this article highlights the current knowledge of the linkage between obesity and type 2 diabetes with PDAC development, aiming to outline knowledge gaps and gain insights on PDAC prevention as the authors believed that the current cure for PDAC is inefficient due to insufficient studies and research on PDAC which expected to become the second leading cause of cancer-related death. Multivariate analysis in prospective cohort studies was used to research on dietary factor of PDAC. I agree with the author that more research efforts need to be put into PDAC development to efficiently prevent PDAC as signalling pathway and mechanism are still unknown. Overall, in my opinion, the article did well on presenting current knowledge of diet related factors that can affect development of PDAC and was able to achieve their main objective.

The Obesity and Overweight Epidemic

Posted on December 15, 2024 | by Laureen

Introduction

Numerous of studies prove that obesity becomes a worldwide epidemic. Popkin and Doak (1998) state that, in the last quarter of the 20th century, obesity emerged as a worldwide phenomenon in the developed and non-developed countries. It has been observed a huge increase in obesity proportion in many populations around the world regardless the differences in income, poverty, and education levels in these countries. Today, we will discuss the distinction between obesity and overweight, the globally extent of the epidemic, and the relationship between obesity and morbidity and mortality.

Obesity and Overweight

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) (2018) declare that obesity and overweight indicate that body weight is above the normal comparing to the body’s height. Overweight occurs when the body stores fat more than the normal level. Also, Overweight could happen when the body has extra muscle, bone, or water. On the other hand, obesity takes place when someone has excessive body fat. While Men are more likely than women to be overweight, Women are more likely than men to have obesity. Gaining weight occurs for plenty of reasons, the main cause for the most people is the daily intake calories are more than the burnt ones. That could happen as a result of lack or lower of body physical activities. Excessive weight gain leads to overweight or obesity.

According to Hales, Carroll, Fryar, & Ogden (2017) checking if the body weight is above, below, or in the normal range by calculating the Body Mass Index (BMI). The BMI is weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. When an adult gets BMI more than or equal 30, that considers obesity. Hales et al. (2017) mention “BMI does not measure body fat directly, and the relationship between BMI and body fat varies by sex, age, and race” (p.6).

NIDDK (2018) mentions that BMI scale tells if the person is at a normal or healthy weight, overweight, have obesity, or have extreme obesity. The greater BMI you get, the greater risk for diseases and health problems you get, such as diabetes, heart problems, stroke, and kidney diseases.

A person who gets 18.5 to 24.9 in the BMI scale is in the normal or healthy range.
A person who gets 25 to 29.9 in the BMI scale is considered overweight.
A person who gets 30 to 39.9 in the BMI scale is considered to have obesity.
A person who gets 40 or greater in the BMI scale is considered to have extreme obesity.

The Extent of the epidemic

As mentioned above, obesity is a worldwide problem in higher-, lower-, and middle-income countries with higher- or lower- education level. In the higher-income and developed countries, The United States, Germany, and Finland had the highest levels of obesity and overweight in the last couple decades of the 20th century. The highest levels of obesity in in the same period of time in the lower- and middle-income countries occurred in the Middle East, Western Pacific, and Latin America (Popkin & Doak, 1998).

Overview around the world, the majority of adults in the United States, Australia, and most of Western and Eastern Europe are overweight, and more than 20% are obese. In 1999, in the United States, 61% of adults were overweight and 27% were obese. In Russia, 54% of adults are overweight. In Brazil 36% and in Malaysia, 27% were obese. In China 29.5% were overweight, and 4.3% were obese (O’Brien & Dixon, 2002).

Shifting to the second decade of the 21st century, according to NIDDK (2018) there is some groups are more likely to have obesity than the others among the black adults as a percentage of 48%, among the Hispanic adults a percentage of 42%, and among white adults as a percentage of 36% were considered to have obesity.

Morbidity and Mortality

Obese people are in a high morbidity and mortality risk which means they have a high risk to numerous of serious diseases, health conditions and death expectancy. These diseases include high blood pressure (Hypertension), high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, or high levels of triglycerides (Dyslipidemia), type 2 diabetes, Coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis (a breakdown of cartilage and bone within a joint),sleep apnea and breathing problems, some cancers (endometrial, breast, colon, kidney, gallbladder, and liver), low quality of life, mental illness such as clinical depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders, body pain and difficulty with physical functioning (CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP) (2017).

Obesity leads to all-causes of death. Implicitly, it’s the first thing in the causes of death list. Since it leads to all above mentioned diseases. O’Brien and Dixon (2002) state “In the future, mortality related to obesity is expected to exceed that of smoking” p.4s.

Conclusion

In sum, obesity and overweight have appeared as a worldwide epidemic phenomenon. We talked about the differences between obesity and overweight, the extent of the epidemic, and obesity and overweight leading to morbidity and mortality. Inference of different studies, the level of obesity and overweight will increase in coming years.

References

CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP).
(2017, August 29). Adult Obesity Causes & Consequences. In Centres for Disease control and Prevention . Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/adult/causes.html
Hales, C. M., Carroll, M. D., Fryar, C. D., & Ogden, C. L. (2017, October). Prevalence of
Obesity Among Adults and Youth: United States, 2015–2016. In Centres for Disease control and Prevention . Retrieved from https://marymount.instructure.com/courses/15015/files/726697?module_item_id=216464
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). (2018, February).
Understanding Adult Overweight & Obesity. In National Institutes of Health (NIH). Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/adult-overweight-obesity/all-content
O’Brien, P. E., & Dixon, J. B. (2002). The extent of the problem of obesity. The American
Journal of Surgery, 184(6), 4s-7s. doi: https://ac-els-cdn-com.proxymu.wrlc.org/S0002961002011728/1-s2.0-S0002961002011728-main.pdf?_tid=c1609c10-1cbe-4f2a-a22e-6436e66434b2&acdnat=1549973148_c6751d6c58659a8e57b6ac329b425390
Popkin, B. M., & Doak, C. M. (1998, April). The obesity epidemic is a worldwide
phenomenon. Nutrition Reviews; Oxford, 56(4), 106-107. doi: http://proxymu.wrlc.org/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.proxymu.wrlc.org/docview/212314357?accountid=27975

The Rates of Obesity in the United States

Posted on December 15, 2024 | by Laureen

Recently in our world, the childhood obesity rate has sky rocketed and is becoming a problem. Nationally, obesity rates of children under the age of fifteen and under is averaged to 20.6% which may not be a high number but in reality, it is. In 1980, obesity rates were at a low of 5% and since then has quadrupled. The key to a healthy lifestyle is summed up in one saying, living a healthy life is 90% eating healthy and 10% of physical exercise.

Nationally, obesity has affected the lives of all. There is a total of two hundred and fifty million obese people in the United States and the number is rising every day. That number is projected to be at three hundred million by the year 2025. There are many factors leading to obesity in our country, such as the fast food industry. Fast food brings unhealthy meals to the table which is not good for the human body leading to gaining weight and losing control.

Eating isn’t the only reason for the growth of obesity. Some of the other reasons are diseases, lack of exercise, and diabetes. Obesity is such a severe problem is because it takes a toll on one’s body. Obesity can cause diseases, but also can cause far worse. It can limit the length of one’s life. Cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems, and an increase in cancer likelihood are the three main causes. Studies by Harvard have found that it is more likely for a young male has a higher chance of gaining more weight than women. While knowing all of this information, there is still more to fear. Mental health is another huge factor paired with all of the other reasons listed. Depression especially affects the person because of being self-conscious about their body. More studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison showed that out of 2,931 patients, very high obesity (BMI=35+) had the highest form of depression. Clearly, obesity is not a good thing to get into because it can lead to worse things in the future and could change your life.

Although obesity makes someone’s life harder, there are so many different ways to change that. Healthy eating, sometimes called clean eating, has been the best advice for most people. “A healthy diet is a solution to many of our health-care problems. It’s the most important solution.” -John Mackey CEO of Whole Foods. As said by one of the most prestigious grocery store owners, healthy eating is the true medicine of the world. The outbreak of all these different fast food restaurants makes Mr. Mackey’s saying hard to fulfill. Many people grow up eating at all of these very greasy fast food joints which makes it tough to keep a balanced healthy appetite. Fruits, vegetables, meats, and grains are all such amazing options. It is important to start healthy habits.

One of the main advocates for the fight of childhood obesity was former first lady Michelle Obama. Her “Let’s Move” campaign moved on to be somewhat of a success although falling off a couple of years ago. Her goal was the most influential part and some of her actions helped a lot. She created the Task force on Childhood Obesity urging school lunches to give the key nutrients that kids need. Moving away from the ways to eat better, calorie intake is something everybody should watch. It’s harder to burn calories than to gain them in a day. What a lot of people don’t know is that there are different kinds of calories. Good calories come from vegetables and fruits, but bad calories are sugars and fried fats. Healthy eating is the best way to fight obesity and one of the easiest ways.

The other greatest way to fight the obesity epidemic is exercise. Exercise is the way you burn all of the calories and fats from the paragraph before this. Although many people dread the idea of working out, it’s only a good way to help you. It is a way to better yourself mentally and physically while having fun.

There is a theory dealing with losing weight that has been used so often that it gives amazing results. Lots of fitness experts and Health experts would say the same. If you put the balance of eating and exercise into an equation, it would be about 90% eating healthy and 10% exercising hard. Even if someone is obese, that doesn’t prevent them from trying. Obesity is just a term given to someone who may have gained a couple extra pounds more than they have wanted and, in some cases, it might not have been their fault. Finally, there are other miscellaneous treatments. Prescribed medicine, nutritionists, and therapy are other major components that can aid someone through all of the process.

The United States isn’t the only country in the world dealing with obesity. Physical activity and tracking the things we consume is just one way to prevent it. Everyone should work together to get that 20.6% obesity rate back down to how it was in 1980 at a small 5% rate.

References

As overweight and obesity increase, so does risk of dying prematurely. (2018, June 22). Retrieved February 8, 2019, from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/overweight-obesitymortality-risk/
Bray, G. A., & Macdiarmid, J. (2000, February). The Epidemic of Obesity. Retrieved February 10, 2019, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1070754/
Collingwood, J. (2018, October 08). Obesity and Mental Health. Retrieved February 10, 2019, from https://psychcentral.com/lib/obesity-and-mental-health/
Harvard Health Publishing. (n.d.). Harvard researchers continue to support their healthy eating plate. Retrieved February 10, 2019, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/harvard-researchers-launch-healthy-eating-plate
Online Master of Public Health. (n.d.). Retrieved February 10, 2019, from http://onlinemph.unr.edu/resources/articles/what-has-the-impact-of-lets-move-had-on-childhood-obesity/
Obesity. (2015, June 10). Retrieved February 10, 2019, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseasescoditions/obesity/diagnosistreatment/drc-20375749
The State of Childhood Obesity. (2004). Retrieved February 10, 2019, From https://stateofobesity.org/childhood/

Research Essay on Diabetes

Posted on December 15, 2024 | by Laureen

In this essay, the author will explore diabetes, from the pathophysiology to management and treatment as well as the role of glucose in homeostasis. Diabetes as a general topic will be considered, aiming to cover all of the main aspects including risk factors, long-term and acute treatment, potential acute problems, and how diabetes occurs at a cellular level. Diabetes can be defined as a chronic disease, metabolic in nature presenting with raised blood glucose levels due to the body’s inability to move glucose from extracellular to intracellular fluid (WHO).

To understand glucose homeostasis, it is important to understand homeostasis as a concept. Homeostasis is a self-managed process whereby an organism maintains stability, adjusting as required to surrounding conditions in order to survive and thrive. When successful homeostasis enables life, if unsuccessful the resulting outcome is detrimental to cells and may result in the death of the organism (Palaparthi). More specifically, glucose homeostasis is of vital importance to health as glucose is not synthesized by brain tissue and because glucose is our primary source of energy meaning without adequate blood glucose levels, survival is not possible (Hruby). Normal glucose levels (euglycemia) are maintained primarily by insulin and glucagon, these are naturally occurring hormones that are secreted by the pancreas (Dersarkissian). Insulin is made by the islets of Langerhans located in the pancreas, specifically released by beta cells in simple terms insulin is a key that unlocks cells so glucose can enter. Diabetes can be treated in multiple ways but where an insulin deficiency or absence occurs, supplementary insulin may be prescribed to allow cells to function (Petersen and Shulman). Also produced within the islets of Langerhans but by alpha cells, glucagon is responsible for converting both stored glycogen (glycogenesis) and amino acids (glucogenesis) into glucose. By converting these other products, the amount of glucose used by the liver is greatly reduced meaning a higher blood sugar level is possible (Jiang and Zhang). Once in the cells glucose is converted in a process called glycolysis, this is a process where glucose is hydrogenized and forms adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which is used by cells as energy. The catabolism of glucose into ATP and other small molecules as bi-products is one part of the process of cellular respiration whereby the product created is combined with oxygen to release energy in the cells, creating water and carbon dioxide as waste products (Brenner). It is an autonomic process whereby the above hormones work in conjunction with amylin and incretin, the balance is usually very consistent in healthy people, leading to diabetes where a glucose imbalance occurs.

There are two main types of diabetes mellitus, these can be categorized as either type 1 where the body is unable to produce insulin, and type 2 where the body is unable to produce enough insulin or the insulin produced is unable to be used by the body (Kharroubi). Gestational diabetes and steroid-induced diabetes are also relatively common conditions which will be discussed below. Other rarer forms of diabetes include type 3C and latent autoimmune diabetes, though of different origins share similar pathophysiology, symptoms, and treatment, the author will focus on the more common types (Papatheodorou et al.). In general terms, the pathophysiology of diabetes relates to the body’s ability to allow glucose into cells, as this task is completed by insulin, levels of insulin and the body’s propensity to use it are the main factor in this process (Kharroubi).

Type one diabetes is an autoimmune disease whereby very little or no insulin at all is produced by the islets of Langerhans inside the pancreas. The cause of type one is unknown though believed to be a combination of environmental and genetic elements; family predisposition is the main known risk factor (Katsarou et al.). Autoimmune destruction of the beta cells which produce insulin within the pancreas is the underlying process, this tends to have an early onset and the majority of cases are diagnosed by the age of 14. When testing for diabetes, type one can be distinguished by the existence of autoantibodies, in their absence the diagnosis would likely be type two diabetes. Prior to treatment people with type one diabetes will experience high blood sugar levels and often the following symptoms; increased thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, weight loss, and tiredness. Following the onset of the condition, symptoms tend to arise within a short space of time, and those affected often fall acutely unwell prior to diagnosis. Once diagnosed, insulin is required as a treatment pathway due to the body’s inability to produce any or enough to maintain glucose homeostasis and there for survival (Eisenbarth).

Type two diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for approximately 90% of cases diagnosed worldwide (WHO). Symptoms of diabetes are generally caused by chronic high blood sugar readings and so are broadly similar to type one diabetes symptoms, however, the onset time is much slower, and acute illness caused solely by type two diabetes is much less likely. Previously known as adult-onset diabetes (or in Norfolk ‘sugar-diabetes’), it is characterized by high blood sugar levels, low insulin levels relative to need, and insulin resistance (DeFronzo et al.). Largely preventable by maintaining a healthy weight and balanced diet, type two diabetes is caused largely by obesity though some people are more genetically pre-disposed than others. Having a much later average onset age, type two diabetes is more common in the elderly population because over time the body develops increased insulin resistance and decreased pancreatic function leading to decreased insulin production. Once diagnosed, the first line of treatment is an altered lifestyle, including increased physical activity and a healthier, more balanced diet. Where lifestyle changes do not have the desired effect, medications such as Metformin are commonly used which improve the way the body handles insulin (van den Arend et al.), the author will discuss the treatment of diabetes further below.

Gestational diabetes is the development of high blood sugar levels during pregnancy in a female who has not previously suffered from the condition. Though generally, few symptoms are present in gestational diabetes, there are increased risks of developing complications in pregnancy such as pre-eclampsia, mental health issues, and an increased rate of cesarean in those suffering from the condition (Plows et al.). The common related issues for babies once born are hypoglycemia, being overweight, liver problems leading to jaundice, and also an increased risk of having a stillbirth if poorly controlled. The cause of gestational diabetes can be either increased insulin resistance or decreased insulin production, similar to type two diabetes, being overweight is a significant risk factor for developing the condition as are previous episodes of the condition, polycystic ovaries, and a family history of type two diabetes. As with type two diabetes, prevention of the condition involved maintaining a healthy weight, good levels of physical activity, and a balanced diet. Though 90% of cases fully resolve once the baby is born, there is an increased risk of developing type two diabetes as a result of gestational diabetes (McIntyre et al.). The treatment for gestational diabetes is identical to that of type two diabetes though due to its quicker onset of symptoms, it is less uncommon for those suffering from the condition to require insulin injections as a treatment pathway (van den Arend et al.).

Steroid-induced diabetes is a condition whereby long-term use of corticosteroids as a treatment for a separate condition results in chronically high blood sugar levels. The mechanism by which steroids increase blood sugar levels varies but includes the following; increased glucose production in the liver, reduced glucose absorption by the muscle and fat cells, and reduced sensitivity to insulin (Hwang and Weiss). Whatever the mechanism, high blood sugars result and can be mild to severe in nature depending on the body’s sensitivity to the steroids as well as the dosage and which steroids are being used. Similar to gestational diabetes, steroid-induced diabetes will often resolve once steroid therapy is ceased however there is a much greater risk associated with developing type two diabetes as a result of the condition. Though obesity, high blood pressure, and other risk factors do increase the risk of developing steroid-induced diabetes, the prevalence of the condition in those who are not overweight is much higher than both type two diabetes and gestational diabetes as a percentage. For those who already have a diagnosis of diabetes and commence steroid therapy, control may become an issue and steroid-induced hyperglycemia is often the result (Baldwin and Apel).

Poorly controlled diabetes can affect the body in many ways, in particular the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, the gastrointestinal system, the neurological system, and the endocrine system. The cardiovascular system is affected by high cholesterol (commonly associated with diabetes) as well as vessel damage, leaving them less elastic causing hypertension. Damage to cardiac nerve cells can cause arrhythmia along with other complications such as congestive cardiac failure and generally poor circulation (Schmidt). The respiratory system is also affected by chronic hyperglycemia, increasing the risk of chronic respiratory illnesses such as asthma and COPD by as much as 60% according to Morse, 2018. Hardening of respiratory structures and loss of elasticity result in reduced respiratory function and therefore increased risk of disease. The gastrointestinal system is adversely affected because nerves that force food through the digestive tract become paralyzed due to chronic high blood sugars, making it a much longer process for food to digest and for gastric emptying (Kim). When blood glucose levels remain high for long periods of time, all nerves in the body have the potential to become affected. Because of this the neurological system is at high risk and can result in diabetic neuropathy, as a result of neuropathy poorly controlled diabetics may require limb of digit amputations or simply suffer reduced sensation (Callaghan et al.). Being the most common endocrine disorder, diabetes is bound to have adverse effects on other aspects of the system and their hormones; the thyroid, adrenal, and gonadal functions are all documented to be adversely affected by diabetes, even with well-controlled blood glucose levels (Steger and Rabe).

Though diabetes of all forms can affect people from any race or ethnic background, the rate of diabetes continues to be higher in certain ethnic minorities (Rebolledo and Arellano). Not only are ethnic minorities more likely to suffer from diabetes, but also less likely to be well managed after diagnosis leading to increased microvascular complications and therefore increased lower limb amputations (Spanakis and Golden). Some of the disparity in rates of diabetes is genetics however there are also cultural differences that affect both rates and management of the condition. From religion to socio-economic status there are many cultural differences affecting diabetes, it is important as healthcare professionals that differences are both acknowledged and overcome to effectively manage diabetes (Caballero).

The author will now discuss how diabetes is treated, including both long-term management and managing diabetic emergencies. As previously mentioned, in type one diabetes supplemental insulin is required due to the inability to produce any or enough insulin for glucose homeostasis. Insulin comes in numerous forms, some quick acting and some slow-release (appendix 2). A combination of these forms is often required for adequate blood sugar management and is prescribed on an individual basis, often involving carb counting and other factors to manage a person’s requirements (Haller et al.). As medicine moves forwards, there are automated devices such as an insulin pumps that will accurately dose a person based on their needs according to input data (Lenhard and Reeves). In the event a patient with type one diabetes develops insulin resistance they may also require medication such as metformin which increases the ability of the body to use the supplemental insulin (Beysel et al.). In type two diabetes where lifestyle changes are not adequate, metformin is the most commonly used medication to help reduce blood sugar levels by increasing the amount of insulin the body can utilize (van den Arend et al.). In conjunction with metformin, gliclazide may be used; this is a medication that aids the production of insulin where a person is not making adequate volumes (Khunti et al.). Where this combination is inadequate and blood sugar level remains high, supplemental insulin is required, often in conjunction with these in order to maintain glucose homeostasis and control diabetes. The treatment for both gestational diabetes and steroid diabetes are identical to type two diabetes but depending on the severity of the condition and onset duration may require insulin at an earlier stage (Khursheed et al.).

Hypoglycaemia is a medical emergency in which a patient’s blood sugar level drops too low resulting in drowsiness, sweating, slurred speech, confusion, a generally altered mental state, and eventually unconsciousness. The reason a person will have an altered mental state is the brain does not store any glucose which leaves brain cells unable to function as they should (Kaufmann et al.). Where a person remains conscious, the treatment for hypoglycemia is oral carbohydrates, usually with simple sugars such as glucose-gel or a sugary drink followed by complex carbohydrates such as bread to maintain sugar levels once raised. If a person is unable to maintain their airway or becomes unconscious the condition would need to be treated with glucagon which is a hormone that releases glycogen stores into the blood by converting them into glucose. Or Intravenous glucose administration is the gold standard for treating a hypo as stores are replenished and usually results in a maintained sugar level depending on the cause of the condition (Mukherjee et al.). Whenever treatment is given for a hypoglycaemic attack it is important to monitor all vitals as well as regular testing of blood sugar levels post-treatment to assess the efficacy of treatment and patient stability. Whenever a person is conscious and has capacity consent should be gained for any interventions, if a person lacks capacity at any point, treatment may be given in their best interest in order to preserve life (Steer) (Appendix 3).

Hyperglycaemia is not usually a condition that in itself requires immediate attention or presents with symptoms however prolonged hyperglycemia is the cause of potentially life-threatening conditions including diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar non-ketonic coma (HONK). The reason hyperglycemia does not present with symptoms in the same way as hypoglycemia is that glucose remains accessible to brain cells, so although the blood-brain barrier may be affected in the long term, in the acute setting brain cells are able to function adequately (Koziel et al.). DKA is a condition where prolonged high blood sugar levels and a lack of insulin result in the build-up of ketones, causing the body’s PH to reduce becoming acidotic. The condition usually occurs in type one diabetics though can occur in poorly manages type two diabetic patients where inadequate insulin is produced. Because of this the body breaks down fat at a very high rate and causes the individual to become acutely unwell. Symptoms of DKA include increased urination and thirst, nausea vomiting, confusion, lethargy, and abnormal (Kussmaul’s) breathing. This deep, rapid breathing is the response of the respiratory system to decreased blood PH, rapid breathing is designed to blow off carbon dioxide and therefore cause respiratory alkalosis and balance body PH levels (Schumann and Faust). In the pre-hospital setting, treatment for DKA is fluid therapy which helps to dilute the blood and therefore reduce the rate at which fat is being burnt in the body. Once in the hospital, treatment includes further fluid therapy alongside a sliding scale of insulin in order to bring blood balance back to the correct PH and reinstate glucose homeostasis (Rohrlich et al.). HONK is a condition that primarily occurs in type two diabetic patients, again it is caused by hyperglycemia over a period of time and results in similar symptoms to DKA without the presence of ketones. The treatment for HONK is also similar to that of DKA and may include the administration of potassium to help cells function correctly (Schumann and Faust).

Blood glucose levels can be affected by multiple illnesses besides diabetes, some of these include infection, pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, Cushing’s syndrome, and certain medications. Infection can affect blood glucose levels because of the associated stress response from the body, releasing hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. Working against the actions of insulin, these hormones also promote the production of glucose resulting in hyperglycemia, giving the body more energy to fight infection (Butler et al.). Pancreatitis can inhibit the ability to make either enough insulin or effective insulin resulting in hyperglycemia and in cases of chronic pancreatitis may lead to diabetes (Gillies et al.). Pancreatic cancer can have a similar effect on the body to pancreatitis, inhibiting pancreatic function and resulting in inadequate insulin levels. Pancreatic cancer however may also result in too much insulin in the presence of an insulinoma, where too much insulin is produced this will result in hypoglycaemia and if not surgically removed, is likely to cause acute illness secondary to the cancer itself (Okabayashi). In Cushing’s syndrome, the chronically high levels of cortisol excreted result in increased glucogenesis and increased insulin resistance. Around 40-45% of people who suffer from Cushing’s syndrome develop diabetes due to the chronic effect of hypercortisolism (Colao et al.). Multiple medications can cause both hyper and hypoglycemia through prolonged use, as previously mentioned corticosteroids are a common cause of hyperglycemia. Managing a patient’s medications as well as drug interactions and risk factors such as obesity is both complex and important when managing chronic illness (Hamdy).

To conclude, diabetes is a complex condition that can negatively affect the whole body when not managed well. From genetic predisposition to cultural beliefs and lifestyle choices, there are many different aspects influencing diabetes and how it affects an individual. As a clinician it is important to take a patient-centered approach when helping with the management of the condition, understanding that all variables must be considered whilst being sensitive to a person’s beliefs and needs.

Cancer Related to Obesity and Diabetes

Posted on December 5, 2024 | by Laureen

Research Essay on Diabetes

Posted on December 5, 2024 | by Laureen

Diabetes Prevention: The Sanofi-Aventis Leaflet Review

Posted on December 4, 2024 | by Laureen

The chosen leaflet increases the audience’s awareness regarding the measures that can be implemented in order to lessen the risks of being affected by diabetes. It can be evaluated as rather effective because it is accomplished in such a way that it is easy to understand for common people. In addition, it features bright illustrations with helpful comments that add to its readability. The leaflet targets all the gender and age groups, but it makes an emphasis on people in the gender and age groups that are especially affected by diabetes. Using the Flesh formula, it can be concluded that the leaflet has a good level of readability, but it can be improved in case it is shorter because a few sections of it are better to be united and reduced so that they would make only one section. The organization that wrote the leaflet is a commercial medical organization, titled “Sanon-aventis Gulf Office”, from Dubai Health Care City. Although the specific of the organization’s work is gaining profits, the leaflet does not feature any type of bias in its writing style. The overall discern rating for this leaflet is good.

Approaching the leaflet from the point of view of the theory of planned behaviour, a few major areas using components of this psychological theory can be identified. The theory is using a social cognition model, which assumes that society affects individuals’ behaviour. In the leaflet, it is possible to see a number of cases of this model implementation (“Theory of Planned Behaviour”, 2012). For example, page 2 says people should make exercises because it will not only improve their health condition, but will also assist them in having better looks. Besides, page 3 indicates that exercising with a friend or with family members will be more effective because it is fun and it is useful for everyone; thus, it is possible to see how the authors appeal to people’s behavioural tendencies in regards to the theory of planned behaviour. Generally, the way the authors have accomplished this leaflet indicates that they are aware of physiological peculiarities of people’s behaviour, and its sociological implications, in particular (“Theory of Planned Behaviour”, 2012). In addition, the leaflet invokes positive emotional responses due to its mood which is definitely a good idea as people are better motivated to act in a particular way if they have a positive vision of the matter. Besides, the language used in this brochure is easy to understand and nonintrusive, which adds to its effectiveness.

With regards to the PIL improvements, is important to note that much can be done to help this leaflet have a better impact on the audience. First of all, based on the theory of planned behaviour, the readers should be motivated to form a certain way of thinking regarding the importance of particular way of acting so that they would be motivated to have a special kind of behaviour (“Theory of Planned Behaviour”, 2012). To improve this point in the leaflet, it can be offered to add statistics data that proves the effectiveness of exercising. The best place for this section is the second page, just right after the cover page. People should be offered a chance to see that those patients, who exercise and have a healthy lifestyle are much better protected against diabetes, and even if they are affected by this disease, their chances to have a good life, and do not have a serious harm on the reason of diabetes are much bigger. Besides, I would offer to make the leaflet a little bit shorter. To do so, I propose separating it into thematic subheadings and numbering pieces of advices, which are shown in them. Along with this, I would use fewer illustrations. Finally, the leaflet’s design is very important for its effectiveness. Thus, I it is believed that it should be fitting the way of thinking of its readers. As it is targeting all the gender and age groups, it is better to use photo illustrations from real life as they will appeal to more people, and will assist their feeling of awareness because people tend to accept the information shown in photos with a greater level of trust as it is proved by specialist researching the theory of planned behaviour (“Theory of Planned Behaviour”, 2012).

Overall, critically reflecting on the value of the chosen leaflet, it is pointful to evaluate it as good, but not excellent. The version of leaflet changes, proposed in this paper, can be seen as rather effective because it is aimed to have a better impact on the targeted audience due to a better level of the theory of planned behaviour implementation. In particular, adding eloquent statics develops awareness that the piece of advice from the leaflet is to be urgently implemented; making the contents of the leaflet more compact and using subheadings and points for different pieces of advice adds to its readability; and finally, improving pictures’ design by means of changing them into real life images adds to its appeal to different groups of targeted audience.

References

Theory of Planned Behaviour (2012) Course Readings: 2-4.

Diabetes Investigation in Space Flight Research

Posted on December 4, 2024 | by Laureen

Today people are presented with a number of opportunities to change and perhaps improve their lives through space exploration and the unpredictable results of space experiments. There is a chance for researchers who have failed to find solutions to various medical, biological, physical, and environmental problems on Earth to continue working in space and try to achieve new results. I believe that space medicine offers one of the most interesting and challenging areas for working with the China Space Station. The unique opportunity presented by this choice is the chance to combine certain scientific issues with recent innovations, ethical concerns, scientific theories, and human resources. Diabetes is a health problem that troubles millions of people around the whole world, regardless of their age, the color of their skin, or their nationality. It cannot be cured, and the only thing that patients can do is learn how to live with it, control the glucose level in their blood, and take precautionary steps. It is time to find out if space exploration, with its lack of gravity, completely new environment, and specialized materials, can contribute to the development of a treatment plan for diabetics.

Diabetes turns out to be a serious problem for many people around the world, and China is a country where about one in ten citizens are classified as diabetic or at least pre-diabetic. The prevalence of this disease continues to grow, and even the most well-funded and experienced researchers and doctors are not able to control it or provide patients with a clear and effective explanation of its cause. In space, people have to face a new environment, so that space medicine and biology require the introduction of original insights. The absence of earth-related stressors or environmental factors and the necessity to change nutrition and daily schedules may have a unique impact on diabetic patients. This experiment aims to determine if space conditions are able to influence glycemic control (i.e., the presence of a high level of glucose in the blood, which is the main cause of diabetes). The connection between gravity and blood flow is evident because it determines people’s ability to walk on Earth. Therefore there is a possibility that gravity and the dynamics of how blood cells work in space can affect the progress of diabetes and present new possibilities for controlling it. Experiments will be needed to find out if this suggestion has the potential to succeed.

As of this moment, the experiments developed by NASA are not sufficient to understand the peculiarities of glucose detection in space. Several steps have already been taken to establish this experimental approach as a solid foundation for space medicine. This area of investigation not only presents a chance to improve space exploration and proves that space activities have their own worth. This idea symbolizes the hope that diabetic people may find a solution to their problem one day. To conduct this research, it will be necessary to analyze past studies and evaluate the results with regard to such factors as gravity and the space environment. Many people who have diabetes would be eager to participate in this research not because of a chance to be famous or earn a lot of money, but because of the opportunity to save the lives of millions of people. When someone loses hope, it becomes unlikely that positive solutions can be found. This research may not only advance medical knowledge but also make a global contribution to public health. New risks, as well as the answers to research questions, should be taken into consideration.

The Chinese space program can be used as an opportunity to facilitate research and experiments in space physics and studying space environments. One of the most prospective studies could be dedicated to investigating solar proton events. Forecasting solar energetic particle events (SEP) is necessary for space operations and satellite launches, as those are particularly vulnerable emissions beyond 45-50 MeV. Since the Chinese space station is expected to remain operational for a very long time, it would be possible to gather a decade’s worth of data and use it to make predictions about the time and intensity of future emissions. In addition, it is possible to study the relationship between the activity of the Sun in connection to the magnetosphere and the ionosphere. This data is necessary to ensure the safety of long-term labor and the habilitation of astronauts in space.

Another potential venue that could use the assistance of the Chinese space station program is the surveillance of the environment and the prediction of natural disasters. As it stands, the world is in danger from various anthropocentric factors such as the greenhouse gas effect, pollution, oil spills, etcetera. It is possible for the space station to field radars, infrared scanners, and other machinery that could detect and report changes to the environment. Other prospective approaches could involve space geoscience and mesosphere interactions. Developing new sensor technologies will open new opportunities for detecting and controlling the weather, developing a better understanding of the world’s ecology, and provide multidimensional information about air, land, and sea. Based on multimodal approaches to earth geosphere and climate, it would be possible to develop technology to predict earthquakes and other natural disasters as well.

Collaboration with the Chinese space station program is a good way to facilitate experiments and research that were conducted as part of other space programs. For example, the construction of space telescopes is an important part of modern space science and technology development. Station-based telescopes are not affected by Earth’s atmosphere, thus being capable of perceiving light at much greater distances. At the same time, they allow for a much greater degree of fluidity and human-machine interaction when compared to satellite-based telescopes. The new Chinese space station can potentially serve as a platform for a giant telescope, bigger than anything ever built in space before.

Lastly, the appearance of another space station orbiting the planet enables greater opportunities for Earth studies. NASA has been actively working to develop and implement the Cloud-Aerosol Transport System, or CATS, which enables studying clouds, ash, smoke, and other substances in the Earth’s atmosphere, from space. One such system was a joint project between the USA and France in 2006. It is possible to install a similar system onboard the space station and enable the station’s crew to operate it. The system involves using a lidar – a laser-based radar system, in order to measure and study the thickness and distance between the clouds and different parts of the atmosphere. Not only this would break the western monopoly over the technology, but it would also ensure a spirit of competition that would ultimately lead to progress. Lastly, this project would enhance humanity’s understanding of how various gaseous and particle substances sprayed across the atmosphere would affect weather patterns and world climate. Some of the potential applications include reducing the levels of pollution, protection from radiation, and even reparations to the ozone layer.