Diabetes among Black Americans in the State of Missouri - Research Paper Example

Contents Introduction 2 1 Diabetes mellitus 2 2 ification 2 3 Incidence 2 2 Diabetes in the of Missouri among black Americans 3 3 Causes of diabetes in Missouri among the study group 3 3.1 Genetics & Family Medical history 3 3.2 Association of diabetes with depression among black Americans 3 4 Organizations involved in controlling diabetes 4 4.1 The American Diabetes Association 4 4.2 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) 4 4.3 Missouri Diabetes Prevention and Control Program 4 4.4 Diabetes Camps – Missouri 5 5 Barriers identified in creating awareness about diabetes in Missouri State 5 5.1 Financial Problems: 5 5.2 Lack of education: 5 5.3 Depression among the people regarding diabetes 5 5.4 Need for more clinics and doctors 6 6 Recommendations 6 References 6 1 Introduction 1.1 Diabetes mellitus Diabetes mellitus is a common health problem in the world in which the blood glucose is higher than normal, with fasting blood sugar more than 110 mg/dl and random blood sugar is more than 160 mg/dl. There are various complications if the blood glucose level is not controlled properly. Such complications include ischemic heart diseases, strokes, impairment of the renal functions, neuropathies, retinopathy, diabetic foot etc. Most common risk factors for the development of diabetes include smoking, obesity and genetics. 1.2 Classification There are two types of diabetes: Type I There is complete absence of insulin Type 2 There is resistance to insulin at cellular level 1.3 Incidence The incidence of diabetes is increasing among the American adults who are older than 20. The diagnosed cases of diabetes have been 7.8%, however with the individuals of younger than 20 years old the incidents are low, approximately 2 %. In a study it was estimated that about 33% of Americans born in 2000 are at the risk of developing diabetes during their lifetime and by 2050 the incidents are believed to be doubled. Diabetes during pregnancy is called Gestational diabetes which is recorded in America as 2.5 % of all pregnancies. It usually disappears after delivery. It is a type of diabetes in which there is glucose intolerance. Its treatment is insulin which is used to normalize the blood glucose levels for both the mother and fetus. Death from diabetes is uncommon among the youth. It is less than 80 per year nationwide; however the death rate for black youth is significantly higher as compared to whites. 2 Diabetes in the state of Missouri among black Americans In Missouri, diabetes is one of the leading causes of mortality. In 2005, diabetes was the 6th leading cause of death in America. According to a study, it was found that the death in America was recorded in half of individuals who actually had diabetes. However, in the survey of 2005, 9% of deaths in Missouri were due to diabetes. An increase in the diabetes related mortality has been documented by the Missouri department and senior services. It is observed that there is a dramatic increase of mortality with age doubling and tripling every 10 years. 3 Causes of diabetes in Missouri among the study group 3.1 Genetics & Family Medical history Unfortunately, diabetes is spreading like plague in this state and the major cause of growing number of diabetic patients is genetics. If one of the parents gets diabetes, the child is at higher risk of getting it too in his lifetime. People in Missouri still need more awareness about how genetics increases the chances of getting diabetes. 3.2 Association of diabetes with depression among black Americans According to a study, it was observed that depression is also a factor behind increased number of African American women diabetic patients. The burden of having diabetes and being aware about its complications causes tension and makes them morally weak to fight with this disease. 4 Organizations involved in controlling diabetes 4.1 The American Diabetes Association The American Diabetes Association is an organization that aims to fight against diabetes and its deadly complications. Established in 1940, this association provides funds, aid programs and clinical checkups for diabetic patients, knowledge and awareness about how to handle its complications and side effects. For the proper control of diabetes and its complications this association has recommended the following examinations: Annual foot and dilated eye examination Measurement of glycosylated hemoglobin Serum lipid, creatinine and cholesterol levels Biannual levels of blood pressure Urinary proteins level tests 4.2 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is a system that conducts health surveys in all the 50 states and yearly updates its database about the prevailing health problems, prevention requirements, fund needs etc. According to a recent BRFSS survey, it was identified that black Americans are more prone to get diabetes than whites at a young age. 4.3 Missouri Diabetes Prevention and Control Program Under the supervision of Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC), many diabetes prevention and control programs are undertaken every year in order to create awareness among people and clear their misunderstandings regarding this disease. "Diabetes Today" is a famous program that was undertaken in Missouri. 4.4 Diabetes Camps – Missouri Red Bird Retreat is a camping program that is designed to provide diabetic kids of the age group 5-10, with information, training and funds in order to deal with diabetes. Many other camping events are undertaken in order to educate the community about diabetes. Other camping programs include: Camp EDI - The Gloria Hirsch Camp for Children with Diabetes Camp Hickory Hill for Diabetes 5 Barriers identified in creating awareness about diabetes in Missouri State 5.1 Financial Problems: In this state, people face problems regarding their medical expenses as their insurance programs do not offer sufficient funds, nor it covers every individual due to lack of funds, awareness among public about such programs. Diabetes adds more cost to their living and most of the population cannot afford such tests and treatments. 5.2 Lack of education: Due to low levels of education in some parts of Missouri, creating awareness about the nature, signs, symptoms, prevention and complications about diabetes is a serious problem. Steps should be taken in order to educate them and make them understand the serious consequences of this disease if not controlled in time. 5.3 Depression among the people regarding diabetes In order to fight and survive this disease, one needs guidance, confidence and proper medication. People in this state are scared of dealing with diabetes because of the high mortality rate caused by it. They need to understand - it cannot be cured but it can be controlled in order to improve the quality of life. 5.4 Need for more clinics and doctors Many organizations are providing financial aid and support in order to get a control over diabetes in Missouri. Regardless of that more doctors and hospitals are required in order to provide health care services to every individual at an affordable cost. 6 Recommendations Programs should be made for the proper diagnosis and registration of diabetics in Missouri State. Proper investigations should be done for the confirmation of their diagnosis, and the patients should be examined on regular basis for the control of glucose level and prevention of complication Proper guidance should be given by the medical professions for the life style and eating habits. Media should play an active role in awareness about the disease, its symptoms and complications for general population References Hogan P et al. (2003) Economic costs of diabetes in the US in 2002. Diabetes Care. 26:917-932. Chin MH, et.al(1998) . Diabetes in theAfrican-American Medicare population. Morbidity, quality of care, and resource utilization. Diabetes Care ;21(7):1090-5. Community health assessment (2009), City of independence Missouri. Retrieved from : http://www.ci.independence.mo.us/userdocs/health/Community%20Health%20Assessment%202009.pdf American diabetes association-diabetes basics. Retrieved from http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/?loc=GlobalNavDB. Read More