Response one. Danielle, I appreciate that you got straight to the point by identifying type two diabetes as a “lifestyle disease.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2019) confirms that most of the people prone to this condition have prediabetes. Among 88 million Americans, who have prediabetes, 80% are not aware of this fact (CDC, 2019). A simple blood test can confirm the high level of sugar, thus motivating an individual to take prevention measures. I agree that regular physical activity and a well-balanced diet can prevent or delay the disease’s onset. However, you did not mention the significance of diabetes self-management education that has demonstrated patients’ improved health outcomes (Chester, Stanely & Geetha, 2018). Self-management education involves the participation of a primary care physician who can motivate and support individuals. As a result, patients learn how to count carbohydrates, build an exercise schedule, and monitor blood sugars.
Response two. Eric, I find your in-depth explanation of the endocrine system and pancreas very well thought. The human body depends on the energy that is converted from sugar. If the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, the sugar stops saturating the cells. At the same time, this redundant information does not contribute to answering the core question. I agree with your argument about Adult Onset Diabetes caused by inappropriate life choices and lousy eating habits. I believe you have established a clear connection between insulin resistance, blood pressure, and kidneys’ malfunction. Even though you mentioned the main preventive measures, I would also underscore that it is vital to raise awareness about prediabetes symptoms. The risk factors are being overweight, being 45 years or older, having a close relative with type 2 diabetes, and being physically inactive. Moreover, certain ethnic groups, including African Americans, people of Hispanic descent, and Native Americans, are in the risk group.
References
Chester, B., Stanely, W. G., & Geetha, T. (2018). A quick guide to type 2 diabetes self-management education: creating an interdisciplinary diabetes management team. Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy, 11, 641–645.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Prevent type 2 diabetes.