Salt Lake Community College

Research Paper

Diabetes Type 2

Heather Sharp

Health 1020

Chad Harbaugh

November 15, 2017

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Type 2 diabetes is on the rise in America. It can affect all cultures, families, ages,

and races. Type 2 diabetes can be treated, and even for some people, it can be cured.

Unfortunately, it can also be fatal. With a knowledge of diet, activity and exercise you

can very easily prevent the disease from being a part of your life, and help prevent an

occurrence in future generations. Some people are more susceptible to having insulin

resistance due to their genetic makeup. These people must be even more diligent in

following the principles of healthy eating, being active and exercising at least the

recommended amount. Knowing more about this disease and how to prevent and treat

type 2 diabetes can be a benefit to all of America. (diabetes.org)

My mother who is 76 years old has been suffering from type 2 diabetes for 10

years. I was in shock to learn that she had this disease because of her healthy eating

habits. All my life, my mother has read health books, and preached healthy eating. She

was a very active woman, but didnt seem to be a consistent exerciser. She was a 54

(now 53) woman weighing around 135 to 140 lbs.

I conducted an interview with my mother Kathleen Conover.

What did you think about the diagnosis? I didnt know what it was or what it

meant.

How has life changed? My life has completely changed. I have suffered from a

stroke which has given me other issues as well. I have a hard time with walking

and thinking. I am easily fatigued. Before the stroke, I was trying to really pay

attention to the foods that I eat and how much. But, I didnt want to take any pills.
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What foods are good for you? I try to eat vegetables, fruit, meat, beans, avocados,

nuts, and almond milk.

What foods do you try to avoid? I avoid sugar as best as I can.

What are some things that you are doing to stay healthy and keep your insulin

levels in balance? I eat vegetables.

How many days a week and how long do you exercise? I daily move about 15

minutes a day. Usually a walk.

What kind of activity level would you be? Sedentary

What is a normal blood level? 100

What is your blood level in the mornings? Low 100

Do you take insulin? I take insulin injections in the evening.

How often do you check your blood? I check several times a week.

Do you get diabetic counseling? I used to get counseling. Now I just check in with

my doctor.

What are some other diseases or symptoms that you got from diabetes? I have had

at least 1 stroke and possibly many little strokes. I also have high blood pressure,

fatigue, urination incompetence, and oral mouth infections.

Who are some others in the family that have type 2 diabetes and or blood sugar

concerns? 3 Children have been diagnosed with type 2 or pre-diabetic.

Do you have support and encouragement from family and friends? Yes, they

encourage me to be active and to eat healthy.

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What are some ways that you can improve your health? I can walk more

everyday.

My mother is surviving this disease. She isnt following all the guidelines to

having a healthy life, but she does do well with eating vegetables and she does take her

insulin daily. A couple of things that she can do to improve her health are being more

active and exercising. She could also work to improve her balance and gait movement.

With all that I have learned about treating diabetes, I have come to the conclusion that my

mother is doing about half of the things that are recommended.

Diabetes is simply defined by the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes is a

problem with your body that causes the blood glucose (sugar) levels to rise higher than

normal. This is also called hyperglycemia. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of

diabetes.

If you have Type 2 diabetes, your body does not use insulin properly. This is

called insulin resistance. At first, your pancreas makes extra insulin to make up for it.

But, over time it isnt able to keep up and cant make enough insulin to keep your blood

glucose at normal levels. (diabetes.org)

A person who is suspected of having diabetes will have blood glucose tests

performed. There are three tests that are commonly used.

The A1C test measures your average blood glucose for the past 2 to 3 months.

The advantages of being diagnosed this way are that you don't have to fast or drink

anything. Diabetes is diagnosed at an A1C of greater than or equal to 6.5%.

(diabetes.org)
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Figure 1: A1C Test Chart

The fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test checks your fasting blood glucose levels.

Fasting means: after not having anything to eat or drink (except water) for at least 8 hours

before the test. This test is usually done first thing in the morning, before breakfast.

Diabetes is diagnosed at fasting blood glucose of greater than or equal to 126 mg/dl

(Diabetes.org)

Figure 2: Fasting Plasma Glucose Test Chart

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The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) is a two-hour test that checks your blood

glucose levels before and 2 hours after you drink a special sweet drink. It tells the doctor

how your body processes glucose.

Diabetes is diagnosed at 2 hour blood glucose of greater than or equal to 200 mg/dl.

(diabetes.org)

Figure 3: Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

In order to understand diabetes, there must be an understanding of Insulin and

how it works. Insulin is a hormone that directs tissues to pull glucose out of the blood

and into cells for storage or fuel. With insulin resistance, the pancreas produces plenty of

insulin, but the cells of the body do not respond to it effectively. Instead, excess glucose

stays in the bloodstream. For while, the pancreas is unable to keep up the accelerated

insulin production, and blood glucose levels remain elevated.( Wardlaw 151)

People that are at a higher risk for developing Type 2 diabetes are: those that have

a genetic predisposition, those who are generally inactive, and those who are obese.
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Obesity and inactivity seem to be the biggest factors in the development of type 2

diabetes as time goes by.

As data is collected, the rise of childhood diabetes is attributed mostly to sedentary

children that have a poor diet. This causes obesity and sadly diabetes.

If a person develops diabetes, they may also develop other diseases and

symptoms. Common symptoms of diabetes are: urinating often, feeling very thirsty,

feeling very hungry-even though you are eating, extreme fatigue, blurry vision,

cuts/bruises that are slow to heal, tingling, and pain or numbness in the hands and or

feet. (diabetes.org)

A type 2 diabetic can develop cardiovascular disease, Kidney disease, nerve

damage, blindness, and infections. (Wardlaw 148) They can also be at risk for stroke,

high blood pressure, and mouth and dental infections. (diabetes.org)

Physical fitness is a great way to prevent diabetes. For substantial health

benefits, adults should do at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic

activity. (Wardlaw 469). That could translate in doing 30 minutes 5 days a week.

Physical Fitness should include cardio, strength training, and a flexibility part of the

regimen. Each activity has over all health benefits to everyone. Balance may also be

added to this list. Balance can be overlooked but developing and strengthening your

balance can help with successful everyday life functions. (diabetes.org)

Someone who hasnt been doing much physical activity should start out slow.

They shouldnt feel like they must train for a marathon or that they must go to the gym

and lift 500 pounds over their head. The American Association of Diabetes encourages
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those to just get started. Exercise, or physical activity, includes anything that gets you

moving, such as walking dancing or working in the yard. Regular physical activity is

important for everyone, but it is especially important for people with diabetes and those

at risk for diabetes. (Diabetes.org)

Trying to maintain a healthy diet can also help with the prevention of diabetes.

Using My Plate is a great resource. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, nuts

and seeds, and dairy products are important parts of a healthy diet. (Wardlaw 51)

A person with diabetes or that are pre-diabetic should follow their doctors

nutrition plan as set out for them. It is important to be using the glycemic index of foods

combined with carbohydrate counting as an excellent way for motivated individuals to

achieve blood glucose goals. It is important to consume the recommended 25-30 grams of

fiber daily, with emphasis on soluble fiber sources, which will regulate glucose.

(Wardlaw 151)

Diabetics must follow a specific nutrition plan and increase their activity and

fitness. Type 2 diabetics eventually must also rely on insulin injections as a part of their

treatment. (Wardlaw 147)

Physical Therapists are a great resource for diabetics. Most people may not think

they need the help of a physical therapist, but with exercise being a large part of diabetes

treatments, physical therapists are a great professional resource. Diabetics usually have

other heath related diseases or symptoms, even the possibility of a stroke. (Diabetes.org)

Physical therapists can help with strengthening those parts of the body that have been

weakened by disease or a stroke. Balance, strength, large and small motor skills, and

cognitive skills may need to be strengthened again. (apta.org)

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Approximately 80% of all patients visiting physical therapists in outpatient

settings have diabetes, pre-diabetes, or risk factors associated with diabetes. These

patients are at elevated risk for microvascular, and macrovascular complications,

retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy.(apta.org)

The Physical therapist must watch blood levels throughout the process. The PT

may also need to lower medication/insulin therapy in case of low blood glucose levels,

and elevate carbohydrate intake in case of low blood glucose level(Hansen)

A Physical Therapist may use these guidelines for a Diabetic depending on other

factors such as the health history of the patient or client: Exercise 3-5 days per week,

combine endurance training with strength training. Low to moderate endurance exercise

intensities are most effective (50%-75% Vo2 max), achieve a minimal exercise duration

of greater than 150 minutes a week, strength exercise modalities: 5-10 exercises/ session,

3 series per exercise, 10-15 repetitions per series, aim at permanent increase in physical

activity level. In case of obesity: increase exercise volume or caloric expenditure (to 250

minutes per week. In case of Sarcopenia or low muscle strength: elevate strength training

volume. Base exercise intensity on heart rate reserve. (Hansen)

Since obesity is a prime factor in diabetes, there may be a link to food availability.

This is an issue that has been brought up numerous times in America. Studies have shown

many links to obesity, but foods that are low in nutritional density are on the top of the

list because of their low cost and easily accessibility. In an article reported by CBS news

they say Greater conveniences, reduced time cost of obtaining meal, and increased

accessibility lead to increased food consumption and possibly have been the major causes
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behind weight gain since the 1980s. They also suggest that sugary drinks have been a

large factor. (cbsnews.com)

An increased activity level including regular exercise, mixed with a healthy diet

filled with nutritionally dense foods can help to heal Americans both today and in future

generations. To be successful in combating diabetes and in improving overall health,

people must put into practice the lifestyle changes that are being recommended. Word is

getting out and more and more people are beginning to listen. There is hope that the

instances of type 2 diabetes will begin to decline and that Americans can have a longer

better quality of life.

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Works Cited

American Diabetes Association. Diabetes.org. Accessed 15 November 2017.

Conover, Kathleen. Personal Interview. 15 November 2017.

Friger, Jessica. Is Cheap Food to Blame for Obesity. cbsnew.org. 22 May 2014.

Hansen, Dominique. Exercise Assessment and Prescription in Patients with Type 2

Diabetes in the Private and Home Setting. Apta.org. Physical Therapy Journal,
Volume 93, Issue 5. pages 597-610. 1 May 2013.

Wardlaw, Gordon M., Anne M. Smith, Angela L. Collene. Contemporary Nutrition: A

Functional Approach. 4th Edition. McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.
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