According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, diabetes is an epidemic, which is affecting every part of the world (CDC, 2015). Mayo Clinic (2015) defines diabetes as a life-long condition, which often cause an individual’s level of blood sugar to rise tremendously. Two types of diabetes namely Type One and Type Two diabetes exist. Type Two diabetes is the most common across the globe. In the US, it is estimated that 29 million people, which accounts for about 9.3 percent of the aggregate American population, has diabetes (CDC, 2015). The focus of this paper is to this disease. As such, the study will seek to identify the infectious agent, the manner in which the pathogen is transmitted through the human population, the role of the immune system in protecting the body from the disease and the clinical symptoms, the duration of the disease and the treatment alternatives. Ultimately, the paper will discuss the steps that could be taken to prevent further outbreaks of the disease.
Type 2 diabetes has a set of causes. One of these is genetics. According to Mayo Clinic (2015), the disease could be hereditary, which means that it can be passed from one familial generation to the other. The lifestyle that a person leads can also cause the Type 2 diabetes. Dey and Attele (2011) revealed that the lack of exercise or inactivity, unhealthy meal choices and un-intervened obesity often increase the chances of contracting the disease. Besides, resistance to insulin can play a role in the development of the disease. If the human body becomes resistant to insulin, it follows that it follows that such functions as the transportation of glucose to cells are inhibited. It implies that the glucose will accumulate in the blood thereby leading to symptoms, which typifies diabetes.
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"The Diabetes Epidemic".
From the context above, it is clear that Type 2 diabetes could be transmitted through the human population. As such, it can be passed through genes. As Nakhjavani et al. (2010)) indicated, some of the genes become mutated. Some of the mostly affected genes include the TCF7L2 and the glucagon receptor. If the former is affected, it tends to affect the secretion of insulin, as well as, the production of glucose. The mutation of the glucagon receptor, on the other hand, means that glucose cannot be moved into the pancreas. When these genes are passed to an offspring, the Type Two diabetes is inherited. Any subsequent offspring from thereon is placed at a higher risk of inheriting the disease.
The immune system, as well, protects the body from this particular disease. According to Mayo Clinic (2015), the Type Two diabetes is an autoimmune disease. This is to say that the immune system of the human body tends to react against its cells. Where the cells that produce insulin are mutated, the immune system acts on these cells by killing them. Dey and Attele (2011) also provided an elaborate illustration of the immune system at work. The researcher indicated that insulin resistance is as a result of high cytokines levels. Cytokines are often released in an attempt to respond to inflammation in the body. The immune system, according to the researcher, usually leads to the inhibition of the fat cells and thereby forcing a release of the fatty acids into the blood stream (Dey & Attele, 2011). This, in turn, leads to lowered cholesterol levels.
There are several clinical symptoms, which an individual should monitor. One of these is increased the level of thirst and frequent urination. Dey and Attele (2011) stated that when excess sugar builds up in the bloodstream, fluid is pulled from the tissues and thereby bringing rise to a feeling of thirst. This motivates a person to drink immense liquids and consequently, more urination. Another symptom is weight loss. The body does not have the ability to metabolize glucose. Therefore, it will attempt to use alternate fuels, which are stored in the muscles. A loss of calories follows and thereby a loss of weight. There is also the issue of fatigue. When the cells are deprived of sugar, a person becomes overly irritable and tired. Another clinical symptom is slow healing sores of regular infections. Nakhjavani et al. (2010), in their research study, documented about the duration of the disease under question. It was revealed that a person can endure diabetes for at least 120 months before it develops into unmanageable levels. While this is the case, the researchers stated that the duration of the disease is independently associated with increased lipid peroxidation levels. Type 2 diabetes is treatable. All treatment options are based on restoring the standard blood sugar levels. One of the most recommendable treatment approaches is through insulin therapy. It involves injecting the patient with insulin. The therapy may be administered by a health practitioner or by the patient, however with the direction of the physician. Another treatment option is through prescribed medication. Some of the most common drugs include metformin, sulphonylureas, glitazones, and gliptins.
However, there is a set of preventive measures, which can be adopted to prevent further outbreaks. These measures can be categorized into individual and environmental approaches. On an individual level, it is advised that a person should eat healthily, engage in regular exercises, and lead a suitable lifestyle. About healthy eating, a person should seek out a diet that has high fiber and low-fat contents. Good examples include vegetables, fruits and whole grains (CDC, 2015). Some of the commendable activities include swimming, walking, and biking. However, a person should seek out a physical activity, which he or she has a major interest in. Still on an individual level, it is highly advisable that a person should monitor his or her blood sugar regularly (Nakhjavani et al., 2010). This will help in uncovering any symptoms and seek medical attention immediately. On the environment level, a person should avoid exposure to chemicals and smoke such as tobacco smoke. Some chemicals are said to contribute towards insulin resistance. Where the exposure is inevitable, a person should always wear protective gear, including nose masks.
