Family Health History

Americans today are faced with a number of health issues, mainly as a result of poor diet, lack of exercise, and lifestyle choices; but, of course, genetics does play a part. My family, for example, has a history of several issues. My father suffers from diabetes and asthma, which my children have as well. My older sister and I both suffer from stress, which is most likely causing our chronic heartburn and my headaches; and, both my husband and I are borderline obese, which is a gateway disease to many others. While some of these issues are linked genetically, many of them are due to lifestyle, which can be viewed as both negative and positive. Negative because we brought these ailments onto ourselves, but positive because we can still turn things around.

Type 2 diabetes
My father, who just turned 75, has been suffering from diabetes for about 15 years. He was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in his early 60s, having symptoms of frequent urination, unusual thirst and hunger, and extreme fatigue and irritability. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Millions of Americans have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and many more are unaware they are at high risk. In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin, which is the hormone needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life, or the cells ignore the insulin. My father now has to monitor his blood glucose levels daily, using a meter and keeping a log of his results, and carefully watches his diet while participating in regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight. He also has been instructed to take medication, including insulin, to control his diabetes. By following his treatment plan and making the recommended lifestyle changes, my father can prevent or delay the onset of complications associated with diabetes. These can include heart disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, amputation, blindness, as well as gum disease and sleep