Data Set to Be Used for Data Analysis, Research Paper Example

Description of the Issue

Type 2 diabetes, commonly known as adult onset, is when an individual’s pancreas secretes little amounts of insulin, however, not providing a sufficient amount for the body to maintain normal blood glucose levels.  With type 2 diabetes, there is insulin resistance, which is when the fat, liver, and muscle cells do not respond to insulin properly (PubMed Health, 2011).  Obesity is a problem in African American women living with type 2 diabetes because they have the highest rates in relation to other racial groups in the United States.  It is mentioned that 4 in 5 African American women are diagnosed as either overweight or obese (Womenshealth.gov, 2010).  “80% of [African American] women are overweight and 51% are obese” (Black Women’s Health Imperative, 2009, par.3).  Almost 50% of African American women that are born in the year 2000 and beyond are considered most likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (Black Women’s Health Imperative, 2009).  Type 2 diabetes can be prevented with proper diet and exercise; however, the majority of African American women live a sedentary lifestyle, which leads to obesity, which can also lead to type 2 diabetes.  With obesity, along with diabetes, other problems can arise, such as cardiovascular disease, renal failure, and even neurological problems.

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of the study is to take a sample from African American women who are obese and living with type 2 diabetes and trying to see how successful an intervention program works over a period of time.  The intervention program will be used to see if women lose weight within a certain period of time, if they are not losing weight, if they are taking in the proper nutrition required of them, and how quickly the weight is being lost.  The reason for the program will help other researchers figure out if the program can be useful and contribute to a healthier, effective lifestyle.  If the program is more than effective, it can be used in various places, such as church organizations.

Significance of Study

The significance of the study is to provide sufficient evidence that by incorporating proper nutrition and exercise into one’s diet, it can make a positive effect and help a person live a healthier lifestyle.  For some African American women living with type 2 diabetes, they may find it difficult to change their eating patterns, especially when they are accustomed to eating certain foods (Liburd, 2003).  Modifying and sticking to dietary suggestions plays a vital role in prevention and controlling type 2 diabetes.  This can definitely increase glycemic control and weight loss.

The data set for this project will originate from w sample of African American women living with and without diabetes.   That is, two groups of women, women who have been diagnosed with diabetes and those that do not have diabetes, will be sampled over a time period to assess whether the proposed intervention has indeed being helpful in losing weight and alleviating symptoms traditionally associated with diabetes.

In particular, two groups of women will be identified at pre-baseline: 1) the diabetic (intervention group); 2) the non-diabetic (control group).  Basic clinical data will be taken at baseline (including weight, insulin blood level, family history, etc) from both groups including a qualitative interview that explores individuals past history with weight loss and exercise efforts (if any). Although the exact number of individuals to power the study is still unknown due to finding the approximate level of the intervention’s base effect, the total sample will likely exceed a few hundred based on current research (Franz,2003).

After the baseline medical condition is established, the individuals will be examined on a bi-monthly bias for up to two years taking basic clinical data, focusing on an individual’s weight loss, eating habits, and biological markers for the presence of diabetes. The ultimate point of data collection is to assess how the intervention has (or has not) affected several key variables: 1) weight; 2) insulin levels; 3) glycemic levels in the blood.  Once the data is collected, the primary method of analysis will be t-tests and linear regression; these statistical tests will assess whether individual in the treatment group experienced significant weight loss vis-à-vis their previous readings and versus the control group.

References:

Franz, M. (2007).  The Dilemma of Weight Loss in Diabetes.  Diabetes Spectrum.  20(3), 133-136.

PubMed Health.  (2011).  Type 2 Diabetes.  Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001356/

Womenshealth.gov.  (2010).  Minority Women’s Health.  Retrieved from http://www.womenshealth.gov/minority-health/african-americans/obesity.cfm

Black Women’s Health Imperative.  (2009).  Black Women & Diabetes- More Than a Little Sugar.  Retrieved from http://www.blackwomenshealth.org/issues-and-resources/black-women-diabetes-more-than-a-little-sugar/

Liburd, L.  (2003).  Food, Identity, and African-Ameican Women With Type 2 Diabetes: An Anthropological Perspective.  Diabetes Spectrum, 16(3), 160-165. doi:10.2337/diaspect.16.3.160