Patient A.R. belonged to a high-risk group for type 2 diabetes. A.R. became the focal point for this study. It is imperative to interview to forewarn A.R. of the possible debilitating impact of type 2 diabetes. The said ailment is technically defined as a “heterogeneous collection of hyperglycemic syndromes phenotypically and genotypically different … Some type 2 diabetes cases have multifactorial pathogenesis to the complex interaction between unhealthy lifestyle habits, lack of physical activity, and overconsumption of alcohol” (Thomas, 2013, p.3). This medical condition is the outcome of the body’s resistance to insulin, and it gives rise to a common symptom – abnormal glucose levels in the blood (Dods, 2013). Those afflicted with the said malady suffers from a combination of physical manifestations that are listed as follows: 1) increased thirst; 2) frequent urination; 3) increased hunger; 4) weight loss; 5) fatigue; 6) blurred vision; and 7) slow-healing sores (Mayo Clinic, 2016). The proponent of this study interacted with A.R. creating an indirect form of intervention to warn him of the potential complications of the said dreaded disease. Ignorance of the symptoms can lead to the development of heart disease, nerve damage, foot damage, kidney damage, eye damage, and skin conditions.
Risk Factors of Developing Type 2 Diabetes
A.R. validated the rationale for his selection as the main participant in this study. He belonged to the high-risk group because of the high probability of manifesting symptoms of type 2 diabetes. There were several factors mentioned during the interview that verified the said claim. He struggles with weight problems. Obesity is a common denominator when it comes to health issues faced by the immediate members of his family.
A.R. consumes large amounts of high-calorie meals. He also indulges in different types of junk food like sugared drinks and cakes. His inability to control unwanted food intake exacerbated his weight gain problem. A.R also consumes alcoholic beverages over the recommended daily allowance. He created a type of lifestyle shaped by his association with family members and close friends.
Preventive Measures to Reduce the Probability of Contracting Type 2 Diabetes
The application of preventive measures to mitigate the impact of high blood sugar requires a radical transformation of certain lifestyle habits. However, these actions necessitate the establishment of certain core values. Knowledge and experience are the prerequisites to establish the said core values that alter the way A.R. perceives food intake and the need to socialize friends and loved ones.
An effective intervention strategy for weight loss and reduced food intake calls for a sober appreciation of the negative consequences of type 2 diabetes. For example, A.R. needs to understand that millions of cases of type 2 diabetes remain undetected. In other words, millions of people are unknowingly suffering from the deadly consequences of the said disease. They go through life unable to reach their full potential because the symptoms of the said medical condition weigh them down. It is the best time to initiate the process of overhauling certain lifestyle habits.
Difficulties in Preparing a Healthy Diet
In discussions and consultations with health workers, the issue of food intake and alcohol consumption will inevitably crop up. However, it is not prudent to make a matter-of-fact pronouncement that eating healthy alternatives to junk food is the silver bullet that the health care industry utilizes in eradicating obesity. Long-term success is assured if healthcare workers enable A.R. to express the challenges he faces every time he decides to turn a new leaf and clean up his lifestyle concerns. Consider, for instance, the high cost of fresh fruits and vegetables compared to the relatively low prices for processed and canned goods.
Aside from the price difference, it is also important to point out the adjustment problems that A.R. must overcome to ease into a new diet. The consumption of junk food over a long period conditioned his palate to appreciate fast food meals over home-cooked meals. A.R. faces daunting challenges during the initial phase of the transformation process. Health care workers and counselors are expected to assist A.R. in dealing with these issues.
Seeking Medical Intervention
As mentioned earlier, there are millions of undetected cases of type 2 diabetes worldwide (Dods, 2013). Therefore, it is sensible to seek medical assistance if a person belonged to a risk group. In the case of A.R., he will reap the benefits of early detection (LeRoith, 2012). He can make drastic changes to his lifestyle before the damage to limbs and internal organs become more extensive.
Planning Care for the Group
After interacting with A.R., the opportunity to look into his personal history and personal struggles enabled the proponent of the study to see beyond A.R.’s challenges. It became clear that socio-economic factors influenced A.R.’s actions. It is not enough to deal with their problems by simply prescribing medication, a common approach that deals only with the symptoms and not the root cause of the medical condition. A holistic approach is needed to help the members of the high-risk group overcome the threat of type 2 diabetes. For example, it is best to help them establish a support group comprised of people afflicted with the same disease. Acting as an emotional anchor and source of positive reinforcements, the support group makes it easier for them to face the challenges up ahead. Patients suffering from the consequences of weight problems and excessive consumption of alcohol require the assistance of a physician and the help of counselors, confidants, and respected leaders of the community. They will act as a life coach for them.
Conclusion
People belonging to a high-risk group for type 2 diabetes must undergo a transformation process to overcome the need to consume high-calorie food and the desire to ingest large amounts of alcoholic beverages. They need to acquire new information, and they need to understand the sober realities of a life afflicted with the said medical condition. However, it is also important to realize the socio-economic factors that hurt those trying to lose weight and trying hard to change unhealthy lifestyle habits. Effective intervention strategies and reliable plans for helping at-risk individuals are only possible if healthcare workers and counselors acknowledge the daunting challenges encountered by people struggling with type 2 diabetes symptoms. One of the best ways to increase the likelihood of success is to establish support groups. People like A.R. require more than the scientific knowledge of a physician because they also need the help of a life coach.