Essay 2 Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

2 - Essay Example Type II diabetes makes up 90-95% of diabetes cases. It is caused by a combination of lifestyle and genetic factors. Predisposing factors of this disease include old age, obesity, physical unfitness, genetic factors and sometimes previous gestation diabetes. Obesity is considered to be the primary cause of type II diabetes, with increased cases among children and the youth. Factors such as diet and obesity can be controlled while others like increasing age, gender, and genetics are not. Lack of sleep has also been linked to type II diabetes, believed to have effect on metabolism. High sugar and starch foods and uptake of saturated fats are associated with an increased risk. Genetically there is increased risk of offspring becoming diabetic if parents were diabetic. The abnormal genes can be passed to offspring. The main symptoms of the disease are excess thirst, constant hunger, and frequent urination. Other symptoms include weight loss, blurred vision and slow healing of wounds. Vari ous complications have been associated with type II Diabetes. Diabetes II has been associated with heart disease and stroke, increasing chances by almost twice. Diabetic people are more likely to suffer them at an earlier age than other people. High glucose levels in the blood increases the deposition of fats and cholesterol in blood vessels narrowing them, affecting blood flow and increasing blood pressure. It has also been related with neural disorders. This is when nerve cells are damaged leading to lack of sensation. Most diabetic patients have some form of nerve problem, which can occur in any organ. It has been associated to abnormal cholesterol levels in blood, and the poor absorption of insulin. When blood vessels narrow due to fat deposition, the nerve cells suffer blood supply and may be damaged. Symptoms of nerve damage include numbness, tingling or muscle wasting. Diabetic neuropathy may be peripheral, autonomic, proximal and even focal depending on the nerves affected. Diabetes II can also cause eye damage such as cataracts and glaucoma. The high glucose levels in blood and increased blood pressure can damage various parts of the eye- retina, vitreous, lens, optic nerve. Symptoms of damage to any of this affected include blurred vision, flashing lights, pain or pressure in the eyes, even total blindness. Diabetes II has also been associated with sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction in men. This is the inability to sustain an erection or having no erection at all. Vaginal dryness, painful intercourse and decreased libido in women can also occur in women suffering Diabetes type II. These problems occur due to nerve damage, hormonal changes or reduced blood flow to the genital and vaginal tissues, associated with diabetes. There are various ways of preventing diabetes II. For genetically predisposed individuals, it is critical to maintain proper lifestyles and reduce exposure to risk factors. Weight is a major risk factor of this disease and prevention concentrates on maintaining proper body health. Constant blood sugar testing and monitoring enables early detection of any problem. Blood sugar levels can be tested using home-kits or at a doctors clinic. Overweight people should work on weight reduction in healthy ways. This involves a diet change from high starch and sugars to low starch foods. Their meals should be made using unsaturated fats or even no fat at all. Reduced proportions of starch served and increases proteins and vegetables also ensure