Type 2 Diabetes (T2D)
Diabetes is a problem with the body which causes the blood glucose in sugar levels to go beyond the normal levels. This is a condition which in other cases is referred to as hyperglycemia. This type of diabetes is the most common type of diabetes in the US and also in the world in general. There have been several efforts to make sure that a solution is found both in the US and also in the global platform (Valente, Chou, Pentz, 2007). The fight is more challenging in the developing countries as compared to the US. Basically if someone has this type of diabetes, the body fails to completely use its insulin in the proper way.
Development of T2D in the U.S has taken a step forward considering the lower numbers of those affected whether directly or indirectly as compared to the statistics that we might have had in the past. This is some indication of a big step towards making sure that a solution is found in the long run. In developing countries, this is not the case as there is a lot that needs still to be done for that level to meet the level of the United States at the moment. Some of the major challenges that are affecting these countries are primarily lack of enough infrastructure and healthcare facilities. Hospitals are inadequate in most parts, and for the few available, the equipment used are not as advanced as the ones in the US (Mays, Halverson, Kaluzny, 1998). A lot has been invested in the research of T2D in the US and the condition can be well managed. There is much that is being done in the developing countries but then the level cannot match the level in the US.
At the moment the World Health Organization reports that over 346 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes and that 90% of people around the world who suffer from diabetes suffer from Type 2 Diabetes. According to reports more than half the cases of diabetes in the developing countries go undiagnosed. Still according to the reports it is expected that by the year 2030 worldwide deaths attributable to diabetes will double.
Adults are the most common people that are affected by diabetes. In adults, Type 2 Diabetes accounts for about 90% to 95% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes; the remainder are adult-onset (or adult-diagnosed) Type 1 Diabetes, a genetic form of diabetes that is not preventable. Nationally about 26 million people in the United States have diabetes, 7 million of whom may be undiagnosed and unaware of their condition (Wagner, Wickizer, Cheadle et al. 2000). We can also note that in the adults who are aged 20 and over, more than 1 person in every 10 suffer from diabetes and when it comes to the people aged 65 to about 75 the number of those affected by the condition rises to 1 person in every 4 people. Another important thing to take note is the idea that the cases of T2D is on the rise, and this calls for measures both at the national level and at the state level.
In my state, the numbers are not different from the national level. There are reported cases of people suffering from diabetes with the most affected being the elderly. The percentage of the adult affected in my state stands at the moment at 7.0% of the total population something that is also a dangerous. However there are also some cases of children reported to having the condition. Main causes of the diabetes is unhealthy living and obesity, and my state has done the best level of educating the public on some of the ways in which they can be able to live a healthy life while avoiding obesity cases. Community programs have been introduced and some of the programs have also been introduced in schools to educate everyone. This is something that has also seen a reduction to new reported cases.
In addressing community concerns, there is a lot that can be addressed and spoken about when it comes to the issue of cost effectiveness. Primarily the cost effectiveness part is the idea that deaths can be reduced which is something that is of great benefit to the community in that useful members of the community can live long to help the community realize its goals. As per the records adults are the most affected and these is also the group that is economically responsible. Once the numbers are not reduced to manageable levels, then it can be challenging for the people and the community at large.
Health facilities are also an integral part in the community, and with the numbers of the sick people overstretched, and then it can be a big challenge making the best out of the facilities. A lot has been invested in research towards finding a solution and this is something that has cost the health facilities a lot of finances that could have been diverted to some other projects in the community. I can also take none of the high cost of health facilities and this is something that has made a lot of people not to manage the cost of the healthcare (Hayward, Hofer, Kerr, Krein, 2004). Many of the cases have gone undiagnosed because of the high costs and the government has done its best in making the services available to the people by introducing Medicare where everyone can be able to have the services in the best manageable way. It is therefore important for people to make sure that they take proactive measures so that the number of the affected to be reduced. If this is not done, the numbers will keep on rising and the case cannot be managed anymore, and this can be out of hand.
Some of the ways in addressing the proliferation of the condition is to advise the public on some of the ways in which they can be able to eat and live healthy. This is something that can help the government and community reduce the number of people suffering from the condition. It is also important to introduce some programs in schools and the community where everyone can have the education and knowledge that is needed to make sure that the numbers continue to reduce. The government is also in a challenge to invest in research programs which are driven towards making sure that solutions are established, and that the cases are managed in the best way possible. The main aim is to see to it that the new reported cases are on a declining trend.
We should also make sure that we attend doctor evaluation and tests on a regular basis, because as indicated earlier, many of the cases go unnoticed, and this is also something that can be dangerous. Once the condition is known, then it can be easier for the medication to start earlier and the number of deaths can be reduced (Cohen, Baer and Satterwhite, 2002). Lastly the healthcare facilities should be well equipped to make sure that doctors and medical practitioners are empowered to perform to the levels that are needed. Everyone has a role to play in the whole activity and the change begins with the people themselves, and above all the government. This is something that can lead to a reduction in the numbers that we are having at the moment.
The first step towards reducing the T2D in my current environment is education. This is also the best way that I personally think can be of help. Many people get diabetes because of poor lifestyles and I believe that if they are informed on what to do and what not to do, then most probably the numbers can reduce drastically. Another thing to take note is to encourage everyone to take exercises, and this is something that the management can introduce in the organizations schedule. With this we can be able to cut weight and cases of obesity can be rare. The third way is to mobilize workmates to always visit healthcare facilities to know their status so that they can know if they are affected. This is something can help them be able to start medication earlier, or can be advised on how they can be able to live better lives.
To add on this, the management can also organize for forums and events from where we can be advised on the way forward in regard to the way we live, while considering the best practices with which we can live so as to avoid being affected with the condition (Blancquaert, 2013). In some organizations there is a small healthcare centre that is put in place to offer first medical attention to sick people and this is something that my organization could adapt so that deaths can prevent in emergency situations. Lastly the organizations should make sure that it conforms with all the national requirements when it comes to medical policies and regulations and make sure that everyone gets the much needed support. T2D should be combated collectively, and this can be done when everyone participates conclusively.
References
Blancquaert I. (2013) Managing partnerships and impact on decision-making: the example of health technology assessment in genetics. Community Genet; 9(1):27-33.
Cohen L, Baer N, Satterwhite P. (2002) Developing effective coalitions: An eight step guide. Wurzbach ME (ed). Community Health Education & Promotion: A Guide to Program Design and Evaluation. 2nd edition. Gathersburg, MD: Aspen Publishers Inc.,
Hayward RA, Hofer TP, Kerr EA, Krein SL.( 2004) Quality improvement initiatives: issues in moving from diabetes guidelines to policy. Diabetes Care; 27 Suppl 2:B54-60.
Mays GP, Halverson PK, Kaluzny AD. (1998) Collaboration to improve community health: trends and alternative models. Jt Comm J Qual Improv; 24(10):518-40.
Valente TW, Chou CP, Pentz MA. (2007) Community coalitions as a system: effects of network change on adoption of evidence-based substance abuse prevention. Am J Public Health; 97(5):880-6.
Wagner EH, Wickizer TM, Cheadle A et al.( 2000) The Kaiser Family Foundation Community Health Promotion Grants Program: findings from an outcome evaluation. Health Serv Res; 35(3):561-89
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