Free Essay

Type 2 Diabetes

In:

Submitted By hoelscher09
Words 1134
Pages 5
Type 2 diabetes, once known as adult-onset or noninsulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition that affects the way our body metabolizes sugar. With type 2 diabetes, the body either resists the effects of insulin — a hormone that regulates the movement of sugar into cells — or doesn't produce enough insulin to maintain a normal glucose level (Type 2 Diabetes, 2012). This condition is very prevalent in the United States with approximately 26 million Americans being affected (Stoppler, 2012). Of this 26 million, type 2 diabetes accounts for up to 95 percent of all cases (One-Third of Adults, 2006). However, even with these significant numbers, it’s found that about 2.8 percent of U.S. adults or one-third of those with diabetes, still are unaware of their condition. This is substantial considering that if left untreated, type 2 diabetes can lead to blindness, kidney failure, nerve damage, and over time, can be life-threatening. In an attempt to lower these numbers, the government, sponsored organizations, and other groups have developed websites explaining signs, symptoms, prevention, risk factors, etc. of type 2 diabetes. Nonetheless, are these websites beneficial? Are they easy to scroll through and find information, or could they be improved to better meet the needs of the average website browser?
The first website I chose to critique was the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Overall, this website was very easy to browse through. They clearly displayed the title of the webpage in blue, bold letters. They also broke each section of the webpage into subcategories and titled them into questions that an average person wanting to find more information on diabetes would ask. I found this extremely important. Since, diabetes affects nearly 22 percent of Americans over the age of 65, it’s vital that this webpage makes it easy for someone of this age to look through. (One-Third of Adults, 2006). Another aspect I found very accommodating was that off to the right of the webpage, they listed a set of bullet points that explained what you can find on the webpage. Also, under these bullet points were hyperlinks so you could easily click on them and it takes you straight to the information. This allows the reader to quickly and effectively find the information they’re looking for. This website also did a very adequate job of ensuring that the reading doesn’t leave the website with any unanswered questions. They did this by providing related links, and a list of phone numbers and email addresses you can contact for information regarding diabetes.
The next website I chose to visit was the American Diabetes Association. As soon as I opened this webpage I immediately had a couple of complaints. First off, it was very cluttered. The information was broken into three different categories all right next to each other. While the categories were easily distinguishable, the subcategories were not. The font was too small and all the information seemed to overlap one another. Another complaint I had was that they only had one tiny section for top diabetes’ topics. This website seemed to put more emphasis on raising money for the cause than it did for supporting awareness and prevention. Considering that people most likely visit this website to learn more about diabetes, I feel it’s more important to focus on the top diabetes’ topics than it is too display a countless number of advertisements to raise money.
Nonetheless, there were a couple of different aspects that I did enjoy about the website. Firstly, they did an excellent job of making it appealing to the human eye. They provided a slide show at the top of the page that included four different subjects on diabetes. While, once again these subjects were more focused on raising money, it’s a good way to make the reader interested. Another aspect I liked was the theme of the website. They used bold colors to highlight the topics and outlined the webpage in a smooth maroon color. This allows the information to catch the browser’s eye while still limiting distractions. Similar to the CDC website, the American Diabetes Association also provided a phone number to answer any unanswered questions. However, along with the phone number, this website also provided an instant messenger tool where you can instantly chat with a representative online. This is definitely a high point of the website. This allows people that don’t like to talk to people on the phone, a quick and easy option to find the answers to their questions online.
The third and final webpage I visited was the website for Medicine Net. This was easily the most disappointing website of the three. As soon as I opened the webpage, I was immediately distracted by a huge advertisement that popped up on the page. This will leave a sour opinion in any individual’s mind. By introducing someone to a website with an advertisement, it immediately makes them want to click on the next webpage. As I explained above, since most people who visit these websites are looking for quick and effective information on diabetes, an advertisement asking them for money is usually an easy way to steer them away. Also, the main page of this website taught me little about diabetes. It listed a few symptoms and displayed one category on some of the facts about diabetes. Other than that, you had to click on a hyperlink that directed you to another page. While there were still a variety of different topics you could click on to learn more about diabetes, this still takes additional time and leaves the reader a chance of leaving for another website. One more aspect I was dissatisfied with was the number of advertisements listed on this page. As I explained in the previous website review, it’s important to focus primarily on the information about diabetes rather than the advertising. This steers the attention away from the key topics.
In conclusion, type 2 diabetes is a significant issue in the United States. With millions of Americans suffering from this disease, it’s crucial for the government, sponsored organizations, and other groups to ensure that their websites are an effective means for finding information. By altering some of the negative aspects I pointed out above and continuing further focus on the positives, each of these websites can help the efforts of decreasing diabetes in the U.S.

Works Cited
One-Third of Adults. (2006, May 26). Retrieved from Nation Institute of Health: http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/may2006/niddk-26.htm
Type 2 Diabetes. (2012, January 25). Retrieved from Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/type-2-diabetes/DS00585
Stoppler, M. C. (2012, June 5). Diabetes Mellitus. Retrieved from Medicine Net: http://www.medicinenet.com/diabetes_mellitus/page2.htm#

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Type 2 Diabetes

...I have chosen adult-onset diabetes; Type II Diabetes are once known as adult-onset or noninsulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition that affects the way your body metabolizes sugar (glucose), your body's important source of fuel. With type 2 Diabetes, your body either resists the effects of insulin — a hormone that regulates the movement of sugar into your cells — or doesn't produce enough insulin to maintain a normal glucose level. The symptoms of type 2 diabetes are increases of hunger without enough insulin to move sugar into your cells; your muscles and organs become depleted of energy. Despite eating more than usual to relieve hunger, you may lose weight. Without the ability to metabolize glucose, the body uses alternative fuels stored in muscle and fat. Calories are lost as excess glucose is released in the urine. Some people with type two diabetes have patches of dark, velvety skin in the folds and creases of their bodies — usually in the armpits and neck. If you're diagnosed with diabetes, the doctor may do other tests to distinguish between type 1 and type two diabetes since the two conditions often require different treatments. Acanthuses Nigerians is a skin condition is also seen in people who have pre-diabetes or Type 2 diabetes. Alpha cells make and release a hormone called glucagon. The body sends a signal to the alpha cells to make glucagon when blood glucose falls too low. Then glucagon reaches the liver where it tells it to release glucose into the blood...

Words: 264 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Type 2 Diabetes

...Gender Differences in the Control of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes A Cross-Sectional Study 1. Study Design Used and Study Objectives/Hypothesis. The study design is used appropriately to answer the research. This cross sectional study was created to assess whether sex differences exist in effective control of cardiovascular risk factors among patients who have diabetes 2. 2. What are the main Exposure Variable(s) and Outcomes Variable(s), procedures for measurement, instruments used and validity of the exposure measurement(s). For the purpose of this study particular study, the exposure is the type 2 diabetes and the outcome is the cardiovascular disease risk factors. The instruments used were levels of HbA1C, systolic and diastolic pressure (SBP, DBP), LDL-cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides (TG). There is indeed validity because they were able to measure whether sex differences exist in effective control of cardiovascular risk factors, and found out that women...

Words: 488 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Type 2 Diabetes

...Type 2 diabetes in Hispanic adults Gerald Jean University of phoenix NUR/427 July1, 2014 Week 1 Type 2 diabetes in Hispanic adults Chronic disease is very significant in the health care professions. When considering the model it gives us the ability to assess, implement, and evaluates the effectiveness of the care we delivered to our patients in the daily basis. Type 2 diabetes is a progressive, chronic illness that affects a lot of Americans in many ethnic groups, but it is found that Hispanic adults have the highest percentage of developing type 2 diabetes (American academy of nurse Practitioners, 2007). The purpose of this paper is to motivate Hispanic adults to adopt healthy behaviors, increase motivation, and build skills, to enhance a positive health practices and self- management. According to American Diabetes Association, 2014, type 2 diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death in Hispanic American. Also it is estimated that by 2025 the percentage of Hispanic living with this chronic illness will increase to 18 %( ADA, 2014). As a registered nurse it is our responsibility to educate the patients how to maintain a healthy lifestyles by motivativating them to resist for optimal health, and supporting them in changing their lifestyle to maintain a better health. We have to do our best so they can meet their ultimate goals. When consider working with patients...

Words: 497 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Type 2 Diabetes Prevention

...Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States (Murea, Ma, & Freedman, 2012). The prevalence has been rising every decade. In fact, it is predicted that type 2 diabetes will reach to 552 million people by 2030 (Murea, Ma, & Freedman, 2012). Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90% of all diabetic cases. People with diabetes have a 25-75% high risk of death associated with cancer, infection, liver disease, lung disease, and falls (Murea, Ma, & Freedman, 2012). Type 2 diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar, impairment in insulin secretion, and insulin resistance (McCulloch & Roberston, 2017). According to McCulloch and Robertson (2017), our ability to prevent this type of diabetes in the...

Words: 1193 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Essay On Type 2 Diabetes

...has faced a battle like no other: the fight against chronic diseases. The burden of chronic diseases, particularly Type 2 Diabetes, has become especially prevalent as lifestyle shifts in poor diet and lack of physical activity are dominating urbanized communities.1 Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a metabolic condition that affects the way the body process blood sugar.2 In this condition, the body’s cells are resistant to hormone insulin, which is responsible for allowing glucose to enter the cells to be used for energy.2 As a result, the individual has high blood sugar, which can lead to health problems such as heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease.2 In the United States, 29.1 million adults are living with diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes.2 However, adults are not the only population affected by this disease; 208,000 children are currently living with diagnosed diabetes.2 The prevalence for children diagnosed with Type 2...

Words: 1554 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Type 2 Diabetes

...After reading a few posts made by various patients on their perspectives of type 2 Diabetes, We’ve come to the conclusion that when diagnosed, these people feel as if it’s their fault. And in some cases it may be, but definitely not all. Sometimes the physician has the tendency to make the patient feel like “they have brought this disease upon themselves, when that may not necessarily be the case.” Diabetes can be genetically given to you, or an expecting mother can develop gestational diabetes during labor and be more likely to develop type 2 Diabetes later on in her life. There is even discrimination among others who are diabetic. For instance, a Type 1 diabetic might assume that a Type 2 diabetic, who is overweight and at a fast food restaurant, brought their condition upon themselves. While others look at Type 1 Diabetes as a ‘real’ condition, meaning that they did not bring it upon themselves by their actions. The patients expressed their feelings about Type 2 Diabetes as being saddened, hurt or even worthless. “When I was first diagnosed, I was so worried that something would happen to me and I wouldn’t be able to take care of my children due to getting my legs cut off and them looking down upon me as their mother.” These are the words of a patient and I would assume that her feelings aren’t far off from anyone else experiencing the same thing. A few posts written by people described feeling like this was the end of their life and that there was “no hope in sight” for...

Words: 802 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Type 2 Diabetes Type 1 Assignment

...YEAR 10 FOOD SCIENCE NUTRITION ASSIGNMENT – TYPE 2 DIABETES Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in Australia, it is a progressive disease that results in a reduced production of insulin and therefore the inability for the body and body tissue to properly respond to insulin. List and explain 4 influences which influence your daily diet and food choices - Not enough time to cook healthy and nutritious meals - Healthy and organic foods are often a lot more expensive to purchase when compared to less nutritious foods - Advertisements influence diet in either a positive or negative direction. - Living in a family, typically there isn’t much choice given to what foods will be offered at mealtimes. Research your chosen lifestyle...

Words: 783 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Type 2 Diabetes Research Paper

...Diabetes mellitus, or simply diabetes, is a group of metabolic disease that inhibits the body’s ability to produce or use the hormone, insulin. Insulin, produced in the pancreas, helps keep the body’s glucose (sugar) level in check and without it, in the case of diabetes, the blood glucose level is too high. Currently, there is no cure for diabetes but through a healthy lifestyle, the complications that come from diabetes can be prevented. There are a couple of different kinds of diabetes -- there is type 2, or adult onset diabetes, is the most common, with about 90 percent of patients being diagnosed with this type. In the second type, type 1, onset typically occurs before the age of 20. Type 1 diabetes is also referred to as juvenile or early-onset diabetes and about 10 percent of patients are diagnosed with it. A less common form of diabetes, gestational diabetes, occurs when a pregnant woman experiences high blood sugar over an extended...

Words: 559 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Type 2 Diabetes Research Paper

...Diabetes is a term used to describe a cluster of conditions in which the body is unable to produce any or enough effective insulin. This is a hormone needed for glucose to enter the cells to be converted to energy. Glucose is the fuel that your body needs. In your diet, this comes from foods such as fruit, milk, some vegetables, starchy foods and sugar. To help control your blood glucose you will need to eat healthy foods and be active. One may also need to take pills and /or insulin. What is a diabetic? Diabetes, often referred to by doctors as diabetes mellitus, describes a group of metabolic diseases in which the person has high blood glucose (blood sugar), either because insulin production is inadequate, or because the body's cells do not...

Words: 1290 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Type 2 Diabetes Research Paper

...An over indulgence in carbohydrates leads to weight gain and other potentially serious medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes. This type occurs when the body resists its own insulin production to control blood sugar levels. Known as an “old person’s disease”, Type 2 diabetes symptoms do not generally arise until at least middle age; however, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of children and adolescents becoming diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in recent years. Multiple risk factors exist for type 2 diabetes including family history, sedentary lifestyle, and diet (especially when diet leads to obesity). School lunches, often high in carbohydrates, are a key factor in contributing to the increase in childhood type 2 diabetes,...

Words: 393 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Type 2 Diabetes Research Paper

...Obesity is one of the most leading factors associated with Type 2 Diabetes. Type 2 Diabetes, once known as adult-onset diabetes, is a chronic condition that affects the way a person’s body metabolizes glucose; an important source of fuel for the body. Type 2 Diabetes results when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or is unable to use insulin properly, or insulin resistance. This is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for 90%-95% of all diabetic cases, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). It usually occurs in people who are over forty, overweight, and have a family history of the disease. Research from the CDC indicated that Type 2 Diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Numerous...

Words: 930 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Type 2 Diabetes Social Structure

...Q 2: Social Structure and Barriers Affecting Health The unequal social structures and barriers are a leading cause of type 2 diabetes in NZ as they distribute resources such as food and education unevenly (Pasala et al. 2010). Social structures and barriers can be observed as key influencers and indicators of future health developments at an individual and population level (Hill et al, 2013). If the role of these social influences is not addressed as they should be, the manageability and control of the key barrier that inhibits future improvement of population health. As the sociobiological cycle of diabetes suggests, type 2 diabetes is part of a repeating process that leads to and causes adverse consequences. Low income and material deprivation...

Words: 474 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Type 2 Diabetes Research Paper

...Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood stream. It is the fastest growing chronic condition in Australia, and over 950, 000 of those affected suffer from Type 2 diabetes. As it has grown to become a common issue affecting much of our society today, it is important to know the effects that food can have on our body, so we are able to avoid or delay this illness. Since recent research in science claims that berries are a diabetes super food, the experiment revolves around the question “What berry is good for the diet of a diabetes type 2 patient?”. Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, affecting 85-90% of those with diabetes. It usually affects older people, but as society has adapted to unhealthy eating habits, people from younger generations are being diagnosed as Type 2 Diabetic. It is commonly known as...

Words: 2005 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Type 2 Diabetes Case Study

...Diabetes type 2 (ICD-10-CM - E11) – The disease is characterized by uncontrolled blood glucose due to lack of enough insulin or cells resistance to available insulin. This results in the cells being unable to utilize glucose leading to hunger sensation and fatigue. The high glucose in blood is not re-absorbed fully in the kidney and thus the body has to make more urine and thus requiring more fluids. This manifests as excessive thirst and urinary urgency and frequency. Being obese is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Majority of those projected to be at risk are individuals in developed countries especially those aged between 40 and 70 years (Olokoba et al., 2012). Rationale: The patient is 62 years and overweight and thus at risk of diabetes. Moreover, she exhibits major diabetes symptoms that include excessive hunger,...

Words: 852 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Type 2 Diabetes Research Paper

...The non communicable disease I am choosing to write about is Diabetes. I am writing on this because it is what interested me the most in this lesson. Also, I know people who have diabetes so it is easily relatable for me. Diabetes is a metabolic disease in which the body's inability to produce any, or enough insulin, and causes elevated levels of glucose in the blood. When you have diabetes the body does not properly process food for use as energy. The most common types of diabetes are Type 2 diabetes, Type 1 diabetes, Prediabetes, and Gestational diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar. Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Prediabetes is where the sugar is high, but not high enough to be Type 2 diabetes, and Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar but really only affects pregnant women. Preventing diabetes is actually pretty simple if you follow a short set of guidelines. If you...

Words: 457 - Pages: 2