Diabetes A Common Chronic Disease - 1214 Words

Diabetes Diabetes is a common chronic disease that causes problems in the way the blood uses food. The inability of the body to transform the sugar into energy is called diabetes. Glucose is the primary source of fuel for our body. When foods are digested, some of those foods are converted into glucose. Glucose then is transferred into the bloodstream and is used by cells for energy. However, for the glucose to be transferred from the blood into the cells, insulin, which was produced by beta cells in the pancreas is needed. In individuals with diabetes, this process is impaired. Currently, the disease affects approximately 371 million people of the world s population with incidence and prevalence rates rising rapidly (Alotabi, A.,†¦show more content†¦Diabetes is associated with wide range of complications such as chronic renal failure, blindness, amputations, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, neuropathy (Alotabi, A., et al., 2016). There is no known cure f or diabetes, but the disease can be controlled through health management that includes multiple perspectives of care such as medications, blood glucose monitoring, diet, nutrition, screening for long-term complications and regular physical activity (Alotabi, A., et al., 2016). Managing diabetes is complicated and requires knowledge and skills on the part of both healthcare providers and clients. Studies have shown that to prevent or delay diabetic complications, counseling and other lifestyle interventions are the effective therapy. However, although there are so many policies set up for diabetes, 8.1 million Americans are undiagnosed with diabetes mellitus, and approximately 86 million Americans ages 20 and older have blood glucose levels that considerably increase their risk of developing diabetes mellitus in the next several years (CDC, 2015). For diabetes care to be successful, it requires a good understanding of the disease and