Braden Crook

Jean Widdison

Health 1020

11/08/2017

Nutrition Related Chronic Disease: Type 2 Diabetes.

At age 62 Edda May Hansen, a mother of six, and wife of a loving husband passed away

from complications of type two diabetes. One generation later her son Gordon experience the

same symptoms and ultimately acquired type two diabetes. However due to improved diet and

close monitoring Gordon was able to live significantly longer then his former mother. Edda May

Hansen, and Gordon Hansen are my relatives who have suffered from type two diabetes. Not

only these my grandparents, and great grandparents, but many of my extended relatives have

dealt with this diet contributed disease.

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

According to the Mayo Clinic Type 2 diabetes develops when the body becomes

resistant to insulin or when the pancreas stops producing enough insulin. Exactly why this

happens is unknown, although genetics and environmental factors, such as excess weight and

inactivity, seem to be contributing factors. (Mayo Clinic)

As I look back at the health history of many of my family members, and the cause and

effect of type two diabetes on their lives, it has been consistent across the board as many of the
contributing factors are associated with their overall diet and weight. Healthline.com describes

people with type two diabetes saying, People with type 2 diabetes have insulin resistance. The

body still produces insulin, but its unable to use it effectively. Researchers arent sure why

some people become insulin resistance and others dont, but several lifestyle factors may

contribute, including excess weight and inactivity. (Falck)

What Causes Type 2 Diabetes?

For years now, my mother has stressed the importance of exercise in my life. I grew up

extremely active, participating in sports, hiking, swimming, and overall just living a very active

lifestyle. As I grew up I just thought that was something we did, however as I grew older I began

to understand that it was because of the chronic cases of diabetes that runs through my family.

There are different causes of type two diabetes, and a direct cause is still unknown. Some of

these causes include;

Being Overweight

Eating a lot of foods or drinks with sugar or simple carbohydrates

Lack of Activity

Lack of exercise

Stress
 Genetics (Oberg)

Many of these contributors are factors that I watched many of my relatives go through.

Type two diabetes often can be difficult for the reason that many of the causing affects are very

subtle, and many individuals throughout the world dont even realize how the daily habits that

they have adopted have taken a negative effect on their lives.

Although the starting stages of type two diabetes are seemingly subtle, the overall effect on

a persons body can be extremely harmful and often times can even lead to death! The

American Diabetes Association speaking of some of these complications provides a lengthy list

of symptoms and complications that often accompany persons with type two diabetes. These

symptoms include skin complications, and other skin disorders, eye issues such as glaucoma or

cataracts, nerve damage (diabetic Neuropathy), and in some cases when unmonitored can lead

to stroke or death (American Diabetes Association). With many of these complications resulting

from such common causes it is key to monitor and keep close tabs on diet and weight.

Prevention Tips

With type two diabetes being both a hereditary disease and an acquired disease it

makes it preventable while still living a normal life. One of the most important beginning points

to preventing type two diabetes is understanding exactly who you are. Understand your

history. Has Diabetes been in your families history? how has it affected them, what patterns;

both good and bad, do you see in those in your family line that have dealt with type 2 diabetes?
 Some other simple yet key tips to fighting the plague of type 2 diabetes are

Lose weight and keep it off. You may be able to prevent or delay diabetes by losing 5

to 7 percent of your starting weight.1 For instance, if you weigh 200 pounds, your

goal would be to lose about 10 to 14 pounds.

Move more. Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days a week. If you have

not been active, talk with your health care professional about which activities are

best. Start slowly to build up to your goal.

Eat healthy foods most of the time. Eat smaller portions to reduce the amount of

calories you eat each day and help you lose weight. Choosing foods with less fat is

another way to reduce calories. Drink water instead of sweetened beverages. (The

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)

With so many struggling with type 2 diabetes but such simple solutions to prevention,

Many movements are starting to promote better exercise, healthy food consumption, and

healthy weight loss. Many have even began campaigns to endorse such activity on a national

level. One large example is the movement by first lady Michelle Obama as she entered into

presidency, she began directly focusing on the meals of elementary students. Much of this was

to help began prevention of type two diabetes and other common health diseases.
(Cutthewaist.com)

Conclusion
Diabetes has become a widespread epidemic, primarily because of the increasing

prevalence and incidence of type 2 diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention, in 2007, almost 24 million Americans had diabetes, with one-quarter of those, or six

million, undiagnosed (261). Currently, it is estimated that almost 60 million U.S. residents also

have prediabetes, a condition in which blood glucose (BG) levels are above normal, thus greatly

increasing their risk for type 2 diabetes (261). (Colberg)

 With a dramatic increase in the rise of type 2 diabetes, it is increasingly important that

we not only identify the affects of this chronic disease in our lives and the lives of our families,

but it is increasingly important that we fight the causes of prediabetes and diabetes through,

exercise, Healthy eating, and maintaining a healthy weight. With the understanding and

implementation of these factors we can help end this epidemic.

Works Cited
American Diabetes Association. American Diabetes Association. 09 November 2017. 09 November 2017.
<http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/heart-disease/>.

Colberg, Sheri R. Diabetes Care. 30 December 2010. 09 November 2017.

<https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2992225/>.

Cutthewaist.com. 09 November 2017. 09 November 2017. <http://www.cutthewaist.com/impact.html>.

Falck, Suzanne. Health Line. 24 August 2017. 08 November 2017.

<https://www.healthline.com/health/difference-between-type-1-and-type-2-
diabetes#overview1>.

Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic. 08 November 2017. 08 November 2017.

<https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-
20351193>.

Oberg, Erica. MedicineNet.com. 08 November 2017. 08 November 2017.

<https://www.medicinenet.com/type_2_diabetes/article.htm>.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. NIDDK.com. 206. 09 November
2017. <https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-type-2-
diabetes>.