Diabetes
Diabetes is becoming a health problem in the US and worldwide (Healthy people 2030 framework, n.d.) There is a projection that the cases of diabetes will increase at a significant rate by 2030 in both developing and developed countries. Developing countries could experience up to a 69% increase in diabetes cases, while developed countries will experience a 20 % increase in cases (Stetson et al., 2017). Subsequently, the prevalence of the disease will lead to adverse impacts on individuals and a colossal burden on healthcare systems. There will be a considerable burden in healthcare as the management of the condition requires extensive resources. Besides, diabetes is more prevalent in certain ethnic groups and low-income communities that cannot afford the cost of care, causing high mortality rate. It also leads to comorbidity conditions, which are chronic conditions that further increase the healthcare burden (Healthy people 2030 framework, n.d.). In this regard, the disease is a significant health problem that might lead to a considerable healthcare burden for both developing and developed countries.
Additionally, diabetes is a huge burden as it adversely affects patients’ quality of life. It leads to cognitive impairment and other impairments such as low vision, affecting the quality of life of an individual (Stetson et al., 2017). This can further result in increased depression among the affected patients. In most cases, the patients with type 2 diabetes develop blood pressure: high blood pressure damages vital organs, specifically the kidney, as the disease progresses. In the US, a $245 billion cost is incurred directly or indirectly due to diabetes (Stetson et al., 2017). The expenses are related to disabilities, loss of jobs, and immature deaths. Therefore, the disease is a major health problem in the US that needs proper intervention and preventative measures to minimize its effects on the public.
There have been various measures that have been adopted in mitigating the disease to reduce its burden and comorbidity. Intensive lifestyle interventions have shown promising results in preventing and intervening in the disease. One of the effective programs that have been adopted is the healthy eating campaign program. The program aims at advocating for healthy eating for all people (Healthy people 2030 framework, n.d.). This involves even the school programs to enhance healthy eating among students. People are advised on limiting eating foods with more saturated fats and glucose as they significantly increase the risk of developing diabetes. Consequently, people are encouraged to practice healthy eating habits such as eating whole grains and consuming more fruits and vegetables (Healthy people 2030 framework, n.d.). The intervention has shown promising results in curbing diabetes cases. Educating children about proper diet makes them understand the need for healthy eating from early age and the importance of avoiding foods with fats and added sugars.
Further, there have been physical exercise programs that have been initiated to curb the disease. Physical exercises are effective in preventing the disease progression. Guided exercises have been applied to patients with diabetes, and in most cases, there are positive outcomes within six months (Healthy people 2030 framework, n.d.). Exercises significantly help in reducing blood glucose and preventing blood pressure. Resultantly, this intervention facilitates preventing the progression of the disease and curbing comorbidities such as blood pressure and kidney-related diseases. At the same time, patients could be well guided on weight management, thereby minimizing the risks of comorbidities such as cardiovascular conditions. Lastly, healthcare providers, government, and public collaboration would assist in minimizing the prevalence of the condition and lowering morbidity and mortality rates from diabetes.
References
Healthy people 2030 framework. (n.d.). Healthy people 2030 framework. https://health.gov/healthypeople/about/healthy-people-2030-framework
Stetson, B., Minges, K. E., & Richardson, C. R. (2017). New directions for diabetes prevention and management in behavioural medicine. Journal of behavioural medicine, 40(1), 127–144. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-016-9802-2
