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The Treatment and Management of Diabetes Essay

Introduction, diabetes control and complication trial, diabetes prevention program, look ahead trial.

For centuries, medical scientists have been developing various interventions in a bid to treat and manage diabetes among the population. Nutrition and lifestyle interventions are part of interventions that have proved to be effective in the treatment and management of diabetes. According to Delahanty (2010), nutrition and lifestyle interventions are current therapies for diabetes because they “have been a critical component in three of the four largest clinical trials that focused on diabetes in the past two decades” (p. 360).

The three major clinical trials involving diabetes are Diabetes Control and Complications Trial 1983-1993 (DCCT), Diabetes Prevention Program 1996-2001 (DPP), and Action for Health in Diabetes 2001-2012 (Look AHEAD Trial). These clinical trials confirmed that nutrition and lifestyle interventions play a central role in the treatment and management of diabetes; type I and type II diabetes mellitus. Therefore, this essay examines the findings of the three clinical trials that are relevant in the treatment and management of diabetes, as nursing practice.

The DCCT trial entailed diabetic patients with type I diabetes who volunteered for the study. The clinical trial randomly assigned participants who volunteered for the study to conventional and intensive therapies. Conventional therapy is aimed at helping diabetic patients to measure their glucose levels in blood and urine while attending their clinics after every three months. Comparatively, the intensive therapy required the diabetic patients to measure their glucose levels in the blood and urine regularly while attending their clinics monthly. Both patients under conventional and intensive therapies received similar dietary counseling.

When planning a diet for diabetic patients, “insulin doses were first matched with a consistent diet, and the dieticians taught participants how to adjust insulin for variations in food intake and activity level” (Delahanty, 2010, p. 362). During the progress of the clinical trial, it was evident that intensive therapy with nutrition has a significant impact on the treatment and management of diabetes.

The findings of the DCCT show that there is a marked difference between conventional and intensive therapy. Delahanty (2010) states that “intensive therapy achieved a stable HbA1c by approximately 7.2% versus 9.1% with conventional treatment” (p. 362). Such reduction in HbA1c has significant benefits because it reduced the risk of developing retinopathy by 76% and progression of diabetes by 54%. Moreover, the reduction in HbA1c decreased the risk of developing microalbuminuria by about 30-60%. In this view, the DCCT proved that medical nutrition therapy is important in maintaining blood glucose levels, achieving HbA1c targets, and minimizing weight gain.

DPP intervention focused on patients with diabetes type II. The clinical trial aimed at determining whether 150 minutes of physical activity would help diabetic patients reduce their weights by 7%, and thus prevent or delay the occurrence of type II diabetes (Delahanty, 2010). To achieve this, DPP randomly assigned 3000 patients to three groups, namely, metformin, placebo, and lifestyle intervention groups.

Patients in the three groups underwent regular assessment after every three months, where they received their respective counseling about treatments. As case managers, the dietitians “scheduled quarterly outcome assessment visits within the appropriate time windows, reported and documented adverse events, reviewed their participants’ progress with lifestyle goals at weekly team meetings” (Delahanty, 2010, p.366). Throughout the clinical trial, dietitians assessed the impact of physical activity on the prevention, treatment, and management of diabetes type II.

The findings of DPP intervention indicate that modification of diet and physical activity are critical in preventing the development of type II diabetes among the predisposed population, or in delaying its progression among the diabetic population. According to Delahanty (2010), “the lifestyle intervention decreased the development of diabetes by 58% compared to placebo,” while metformin decreased its development by 31% (p. 366).

Moreover, the findings indicate that lifestyle intervention is very effective among older patients and the ones with low body mass index when compared to metformin intervention. Overall, lifestyle intervention of physical activity led to weight reduction, which ultimately reduced the risk of diabetes by 71% among older patients.

Look AHEAD trial focused on the impact of intensive lifestyle intervention on patients with diabetes type II. The objective of the Look AHEAD was to “determine the long-term effects of a lifestyle intervention compared to conventional ‘diabetes support and education’ treatment” (Delahanty, 2010, p. 367). The Look AHEAD intervention entailed modification of diet and incorporation of physical exercise in the management of diabetes among patients.

The evidence obtained indicates that the Look AHEAD intervention is the most effective intervention when compared to the DCCT and DPP interventions. The Look AHEAD intervention has a two-fold effect in the treatment and management of diabetes because it reduced HbA1c levels and enhances weight loss. The findings of the study are relevant in nursing, because, nurses can utilize them in aiding diabetic patients to make informed decisions regarding the nature of the diet and physical activity, which are appropriate in the management of diabetes.

The DCCT, the DPP, and the Look AHEAD are three interventions, which have proved that nutrition and physical activity are central in the treatment and management of diabetes among the population. The DCCT intervention aims at aiding a diabetic patient to understand how to manage body weight and blood glucose levels. Moreover, the aim of DPP and Look AHEAD interventions is to help a diabetic patient manage own body weight and maintain normal glucose levels in the blood. Overall, the three interventions show that dietitians have a noble role in offering lifestyle and nutritional interventions, which prevent the development and progression of diabetes in the population.

Delahanty, L. M. (2010). Research charting a course for evidence-based clinical diabetic practice in diabetes. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 23 (4), 360-370.

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Essay on Diabetes

Students are often asked to write an essay on Diabetes in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Diabetes

What is diabetes.

Diabetes is a chronic disease where the body can’t control blood sugar levels. This happens because the body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it properly.

Types of Diabetes

There are two main types: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 is when the body doesn’t produce insulin. Type 2 is when the body doesn’t use insulin well.

Managing Diabetes

Diabetes can be managed through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and medication. Regular check-ups are also important to monitor blood sugar levels.

The Impact of Diabetes

If not managed, diabetes can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, kidney disease, and vision loss.

Also check:

Speech on Diabetes

250 Words Essay on Diabetes

Introduction.

Diabetes, a chronic metabolic disorder, is characterized by an increased level of glucose in the blood. It arises due to the body’s inability to produce or effectively utilize insulin, a hormone responsible for glucose regulation.

Etiology of Diabetes

Diabetes is classified into two major types: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disorder, is a result of the body’s immune system attacking insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. On the other hand, Type 2 diabetes, the more prevalent form, is primarily associated with insulin resistance and often linked to obesity and sedentary lifestyle.

Impact and Management

Diabetes can lead to severe complications like heart disease, kidney failure, and blindness if left unmanaged. Management involves lifestyle modifications, including a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and medication or insulin therapy as needed.

Prevention and Future Research

Prevention strategies for Type 2 diabetes involve promoting healthier lifestyles and early detection. For Type 1 diabetes, research is still ongoing to understand its triggers. Advances in technology and medicine, such as artificial pancreas systems and islet cell transplantation, show promise for future diabetes management.

Diabetes, a global health crisis, requires comprehensive understanding and management strategies. With ongoing research and advancements, the future holds potential for improved diabetes care and prevention.

500 Words Essay on Diabetes

Introduction to diabetes.

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by an elevated level of glucose in the blood, which can lead to a variety of health complications if not properly managed. The disease occurs when the body fails to produce enough insulin or is unable to effectively use the insulin it produces, resulting in glucose build-up.

There are primarily two types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This type is less common and usually develops early in life. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is more prevalent and typically develops in adulthood. It occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough to maintain a normal glucose level.

Risk Factors and Symptoms

Several factors increase the risk of developing diabetes, including genetics, obesity, lack of physical activity, and poor diet. Additionally, certain ethnic groups are at a higher risk.

Diabetes often presents with symptoms such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, constant hunger, blurry vision, and fatigue. However, many people with Type 2 diabetes remain undiagnosed as the symptoms can be subtle and develop slowly.

Management and Treatment

While there is currently no cure for diabetes, it can be effectively managed with a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight are crucial for managing both types of diabetes.

For Type 1 diabetes, insulin injections or use of an insulin pump are necessary. Type 2 diabetes can often be managed with lifestyle changes and oral medication, but insulin may be required as the disease progresses.

Complications and Prevention

If left uncontrolled, diabetes can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and nerve damage. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels, along with routine medical check-ups, are essential to avoid these complications.

Prevention strategies for Type 2 diabetes include regular physical activity, a healthy diet, maintaining a normal body weight, and avoiding tobacco use. Early detection through regular health screenings is also critical, as early treatment can prevent or delay the onset of complications.

Diabetes is a significant global health concern that requires concerted efforts for effective management and prevention. Understanding the disease, its risk factors, and the importance of early detection can go a long way in reducing the impact of this chronic condition. Through lifestyle changes and medical intervention, individuals with diabetes can lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

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