Summary: Burden of Diabetes in Maryland, Coursework Example

Introduction

Diabetes within the State of Maryland is a serious problem that requires further examination. In 2008, 8.7 percent of the adult population in the state was diabetic, and 12.3 percent of African Americans have the disease (Maryland.gov, 2008). Those within the 50-64 age group have the highest rates of growth of the disease, and 17.1 percent of diabetics within the state are at the poverty level (Maryland.gov, 2008). Furthermore, many diabetics within this age group also have high blood pressure (73.8 percent), high cholesterol (65.6 percent), obesity (62.1 percent), and current or former smokers (19.4 percent; 56.8 percent, respectively) (Maryland.gov, 2008). The Maryland Diabetes Prevention and Control Program aims to alleviate some of the burden of diabetes that currently exists within the state and to adopt continuous quality improvement programs and self-management education in areas throughout the state (Maryland.gov, 2014).

Analysis

Public health organizations must be fully involved in activities and interventions aimed at the fight against diabetes because this condition requires a high level approach and understanding of the key elements that have an impact on populations within local communities (Barnett et.al, 2009). The response to diabetes must be comprehensive and timely in order to reduce the threat of the disease in many populations and in determining how to best approach its scope and prevalence (Barnett et.al, 2009). The response to diabetes, therefore, must demonstrate a number of key elements that will have a significant impact on outcomes, such as the nature of the disease and its causes, as well as programs to combat the disease at the community level (Barnett et.al, 2009). These efforts will be effective in promoting a framework that will support the affected populations as best as possible in order to accomplish the desired prevention and treatment objectives (Barnett et.al, 2009).

From a micro perspective, there are significant factors that impact the prevalence of diabetes, based upon individual behaviors and circumstances that contribute to a higher risk of the disease in some populations (Roberts et.al, 2012). In addition, exacerbating factors at the individual level may be difficult to overcome, including but not limited to depression and other mental health concerns that often impact general wellbeing in many ways (Roberts et.al, 2012). The existence of comorbid conditions at the individual level often exacerbates an already sensitive diabetic state, thereby creating difficulties for many patients if they do not have access to adequate treatments for these conditions (Roberts et.al, 2012). In this capacity, patients may experience limitations that are likely to impact their overall health, thereby creating an environment in which there are significant challenges that are difficult to overcome on an individual level (Roberts et.al, 2012). With diabetes, the emotional and behavioral complications may also contribute to depression and other conditions that could further pose a threat to overall health (Roberts et.al, 2012). Individual behaviors, therefore, must be evaluated closely and education must be provided so that patients are able to overcome some of the risks that occur when they assume specific behaviors such as poor diet and limited exercise, both of which may contribute to diabetes risk and also depression in some patients who face a fragile psychological state due to diabetes and other possible health concerns that influence their daily activities (Roberts et.al, 2012).

Unfortunately, many populations, even in states where resources are available, may lack access to programs because there is disconnect between programs and those who require the highest level of attention and focus at the macro level (Roberts et.al, 2012). From this perspective, it may be difficult to address unmet needs and disparities because of the nature of the healthcare system and the need for health insurance that is not only affordable, but for which the coverage is adequate (Roberts et.al, 2012). It is likely that in some communities within Maryland, including rural and underserved communities in larger metropolitan areas, there is a greater likelihood that members will not receive access to some of the most basic services due to the limitations that exist regarding insurance provisions, including those offered through Medicare and Medicaid. In this context, it is necessary for communities to consider how to best overcome these limitations and to be proactive in meeting patient care needs effectively through new approaches to diabetes at the community level. These programs will provide a basis for examining new perspectives in order to provide community members in disadvantaged areas of Maryland with the tools and resources to improve their behaviors and their understanding of diabetes and related risks in an effort to improve their health and the general health status of the population in these areas.

Conclusion

Maryland faces a critical problem with the number of patients who have diabetes throughout the state. This is an important reminder of the need for education and community-based resources that have a significant impact on this condition for patients who already have the disease, as well as those who are at a high risk but have not been diagnosed. The juxtaposition between resource allocation and disadvantaged populations must also be considered as part of a larger framework that encompasses access to healthcare services and knowledge that will support behavioral modifications and other life changes that will have a physical and psychological impact on the residents of Maryland who face a high risk of diabetes or who already have the disease.

References

Barnett, D.J., Balicer, R.D., Thompson, C.B., Storey, J.D., & Omer, S.B. (2009). Assessment of local public health workers’ willingness to respond to pandemic influenza through application of the extended parallel process model: e6365. PLoS One, 4.7.

Maryland.gov (2014). Maryland Diabetes Prevention and Control Program (DPCP). Retrieved from http://phpa.dhmh.maryland.gov/dpcp/SitePages/Home.aspx

Maryland.gov (2008). Summary: burden of diabetes in Maryland. Retrieved from http://phpa.dhmh.maryland.gov/cdp/pdf/Report-Diabetes.pdf

Roberts, R. G., Gask, L., Arndt, B., Bower, P., Dunbar, J., van der Feltz-Cornelis, C. M., … & Anderson, M. I. P. (2012). Depression and diabetes: the role and impact of models of health care systems. Journal of affective disorders, 142, S80-S88.