Diabetes in the Young Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Diabetes in the Young - Research Paper Example Pathophysiology of Type 2 Diabetes Research of type 2 diabetes in the young adults and children continues to provide insightful information about the pathophysiology of the disease. Qualified researchers attribute susceptibility to the disease to both genetic and environmental factors (Eppens & Craig, 2006). Inherited genes might predispose an individual to a combination of failure of beta-cell secretion and insensitivity to insulin produced (Eppens & Craig, 2006). This means that individuals with a history of this disease have increased chances of contracting it compared to individuals with no record of type 2 diabetes in their family. 45-80% of these children have a parent suffering from type 2 diabetes. 74-90% of the reported children cases show that they have the 1st or 2nd degree relative suffering from the disease (Eppens & Craig, 2006). Some researchers might also argue that women have a higher chance of contracting the disease than men (Eppens & Craig, 2006). Other genetic fa ctors that increase the person’s susceptibility to the disease are intrauterine exposure to diabetes, puberty, low birth-weight, and ethnicity (Eppens & Craig, 2006). ... For example, the continuous advancement in the technology industry induces laziness among the young adults and children, who would rather engage themselves in computer games indoors instead of riding a bicycle outside. As a result, the levels of obesity among the young have skyrocketed over the years, increasing their chances of developing type 2 diabetes (Kaufman, 2002). Obesity affects the body by overworking all the organs. In addition, the high cholesterol levels also clog up the blood vessels, causing a disruption in the supply of essential enzymes and nutrients in the body (Kaufman, 2002). Brief literature review focusing on current research The American Pediatric Board described type 2 diabetes as the new epidemic affecting the pediatric population. The incidence and prevalence rates have increased by 33% between 1990 and 2000 (Kaufman, 2002). Research shows that the disease accounted for 16% of new pediatric diabetes recorded in the urban areas in 1992, and by 1999 the record s showed up to 8- 45 % increase in new cases as per the geographic location (Kaufman, 2002). Further research reveals that ethnicity plays a crucial role in the susceptibility patterns of the disease. Mainly people of African-American, Native-American, Asian-American, and Mexican-American descent suffer from type 2 diabetes. For example, African-American children represent 70-75% of new pediatric patients of type 2 diabetes in Ohio and Arkansas (Kaufman, 2002). Very limited information is available about effective evidence-based treatment. However, National Institute of Health has recently disbursed funding to a multicenter consortium charged with the responsibility of determining the outcomes of the different treatment regimens