Diabetes

Generally speaking diabetes is not an uncommon disorder. In fact, Whiting et al (2011) states that diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in nearly all countries. There are two main types of diabetes mellitus: type 1 and type 2. Fonseca (2006) defines type 2 diabetes mellitus as a disorder characterised by an insulin resistance followed by a progressive decline in β-cell function. Type 2 diabetics produce insulin but the target cells for insulin fail to respond, therefore blood glucose levels remain elevated (Campbell et al, 2008).For comparison purposes, type 1 diabetes is characterised by a deficiency of insulin, but for the purposes of this analysis, only type 2 diabetes will be explored. Over 90% of individuals, who suffer from diabetes, suffer from type 2 diabetes (Campbell et al, 2008).
Mrs. Dyson has experienced a lot of symptoms which are typical in individuals suffering from type 2 diabetes. For example: she is always thirsty; she goes to the toilet relatively frequently in order to pass urine; and she is often very lethargic. Mrs. Dyson also occasionally experiences these symptoms: constipation, blurred vision and itchiness around her private area. Mrs. Dyson’s symptoms are aligned with the symptoms outlined by the NHS (2012) with regards to type 2 diabetes.

COMPLICATIONS
Diabetes has a common impact, reaching into every corner of the body and touching every system and its effects are increasing. Ahmed (2005) states that there are often complications related to individuals suffering from diabetes. These complications can include: damage to the cardiovascular system, damage to the eyes, damage to the kidneys and impaired wound healing. The link between diabetes and damage to the cardiovascular system provides an explanation. This explains that diabetes contributes to high blood pressure and is associated with high cholesterol which can increase the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular disease. Diabetes on nerves can be serious, as the

Bibliography: Ahmed, N. (2005) ‘Advanced glycation end products – role in pathology of diabetic complications.’ Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 67(1), pp.3-21. Brisco, P Campbell, N. A., Reece, J. B., Urry, L. A., Cain, M. L.,Wasserman, S. A., Minorsky, P. V. and Jackson, R. B. (2008) Biology. 8 ed, San Francisco: Pearson Benjamin Cummings, pp.983-984 Crook, E Diabetes, (2014). How does diabetes affect the body? [Online] Available at:http://www.diabetes.co.uk/how-does-diabetes-affect-the-body.html [Accessed 9th April 2014] DLIFE, (2013) Fonseca, V. (2006) ‘The role of basal insulin therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.’ Insulin, 1(2), pp.51-60 Hicks, R LEGISLATION, (2014). Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 [Online] Available at: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1974/37 [Accessed 30th April 2014] NHS NKDEP, (2013). Diet and Lifestyle Changes [Online] Available at: http://nkdep.nih.gov/living/diet-lifestyle-changes.shtml [Accessed 22th April 2014] Walsh, M., De Souza, J., Scourfield, P., Stephens, P., Price, G Whiting, D. R., Guariguata, L., Weil, C. and Shaw, J. (2011) IDF Diabetes Atlas: Global estimates of the prevalence of diabetes for 2011 and 2030. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 94, pp. 311-321