Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes, Term Paper Example

Health is determined by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. While an individual has the potential to control his or her health by exercising and eating properly, they must deal with their underlying genetic predispositions. An important way for individuals to be completely informed about their health is by interviewing family members to determine potential health problems that are likely to occur as a consequence of genetics. By trying to live healthily, these individuals can potentially avoid these issues from becoming problematic and can ensure that they are prepared if one of these health threats does occur. This can be exemplified by the risk of type 2 diabetes. Since I have family members on both sides of my family with the illness, it is likely that I am genetically predisposed. However, I am aware that if I regularly exercise, eat appropriately balanced meals, and maintain my weight, I can minimize my risk of getting this disease.

My oldest living family member is my grandmother on my mother’s side of the family, who recently turned 85. My paternal grandmother died at age 80, and my maternal grandfather and paternal grandfather died at age 50. My mother is currently 55 years old my father is 65 years old. My paternal grandmother died of unknown causes, although she was obese, afflicted by type 2 diabetes, and had respiratory illness. My paternal grandfather died from lung cancer and my maternal grandfather was severely depressed throughout his life and had committed suicide. My father and mother both have sleep apnea and are asthmatic, and my father has high blood pressure. According to my family history, I appear to be at high risk for illnesses that can be easily avoided by exercising and eating properly. Engaging in these activities help reduce the rate of depression, obesity, and diabetes. Since a majority of my family members died from these diseases young, it is especially important that I begin taking care of myself to prevent this from occurring.

Type 2 diabetes is also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes and typically occurs in individuals who are obese and do not engage in physical activity (WebMD, n.d.). Other risk factors and symptoms for this disease include high blood pressure, genetic predisposition, history of heart disease, low levels of good cholesterol, high triglycerides, and being age 45 or over. Many of my family members fall into these risk categories. My maternal grandmother, who was afflicted with the disease, saw the disease onset at age 50, she engaged in low levels of physical activity, was obese, and had high blood pressure and triglycerides. My father currently has high blood pressure, triglycerides, and cholesterol. Since he is genetically predisposed to the illness, it is important for him to maintain his weight to present disease onset.

Individuals who are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes typically visit their physician for one or more of the following reasons: frequent urination, excessive thirst, increased hunger, tiredness, and blurred vision (International Diabetes Federation, n.d). This is important because it would be helpful for me to visit a doctor if I were to experience any of the aforementioned symptoms. Overall, however, I should work towards preventing my likelihood of acquiring the disease. Therefore, I plan to eat a balanced diet and organize a schedule so that I am able to exercise for at least 20 minutes a day. I also plan to take time aside to ensure that I will be able to eat three meals a day, without skipping breakfast. Since my father is also at high risk for diabetes, I will try to involve him in my plans. If we are able to work together to make significant lifestyle changes, we will be more likely to achieve our goals.

References

International Diabetes Federation. (n.d.). Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes. Retrieved from http://www.idf.org/signs-and-symptoms-diabetes

WebMD. (n.d.). Diabetes Health Center. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/guide/diabetes_symptoms_types