Diabetes Mellitus in Phoenix, Arizona: Causes and Community Impact

Introduction

In recent years, diabetes mellitus has emerged as a common endemic in the Phoenix, Arizona population. The pancreas, an organ that lies near the stomach, produces a hormone called insulin to help glucose — the sugar that the human body uses for energy — enter the body's cells. Diabetes is a disease that occurs when the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot use its own insulin effectively. Diabetes can cause serious health complications such as heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and lower-extremity amputations. It is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.

In Arizona, the Arizona Diabetes Prevention and Control Program has been established to assist with the prevention of diabetes and to provide education and other community resources to effectively combat the disease and educate the public. This paper discusses diabetes, how it is acquired, how it manifests, and its primary effects on the individual. It also addresses the effects diabetes has on the family and the community, as well as the social and economic implications of the disease, with a focus on the Phoenix, Arizona population. It concludes with a discussion of methods nurses in this setting can use to address diabetes, in addition to the use of other community resources.

Causes of Diabetes

There are different types of diabetes mellitus: Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes was previously called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or juvenile-onset diabetes. Type 1 diabetes may account for 5% to 10% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1997). Type 1 diabetes follows exposure to an environmental trigger, such as an unidentified virus, which stimulates an immune attack against the beta cells of the pancreas in some genetically predisposed individuals (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1997).

Type 2 diabetes was previously called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or adult-onset diabetes. Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 90% to 95% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1997). Risk factors for Type 2 diabetes include older age, obesity, family history of diabetes, prior history of glucose intolerance, physical inactivity, and race or ethnicity. African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians, and some Asians and Pacific Islanders are at particularly high risk for Type 2 diabetes.

Gestational diabetes develops in 2% to 5% of all pregnancies but usually disappears when the pregnancy is over (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1997). Gestational diabetes occurs more frequently in African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians, and people with a family history of diabetes. Research indicates that nearly 40% of women with a history of gestational diabetes develop diabetes in the future (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1997). Other types of diabetes result from specific genetic syndromes, surgery, drugs, malnutrition, infections, and other illnesses, accounting for 1% to 2% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1997). Diabetes is generally treated by keeping blood sugar levels within a normal range at all times and by training patients in self-management so they know how to maintain the disease. Self-management programs are planned by a qualified medical professional.

Primary Effects on the Individual and the Family

The warning signs and symptoms of diabetes usually develop slowly and consist of unusual fatigue, frequent urination, occasional blurry vision, cuts or sores that will not heal, extreme thirst or hunger, numb or tingling hands and feet, and unexplained weight loss. Persons with diabetes are at risk for complications such as amputations, heart attacks, strokes, blindness, kidney failure, and gum disease (Arizona Department of Health Services, 2006).

The Arizona Department of Health (2006) notes several activities that individuals and their families can follow to manage and prevent diabetes. For example, practicing a basic health regimen can reduce the risk of developing diabetes as well as preventing complications once the disease is present. Family members should note that eating regular, healthy meals is essential. Complications can also be prevented by recording blood sugar levels daily, engaging in regular exercise, and taking medication as prescribed.

Conclusion

Diabetes mellitus is an endemic in the Phoenix, Arizona population, but it can be controlled and prevented with the right knowledge and community resources.

Bibliography

Arizona Department of Health Services. (2006). AZ Diabetes Prevention and Control Program. Retrieved February 23, 2007, from http://www.azdhs.gov/phs/oncdps/diabetes/igns.htm

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (1997). National Diabetes Fact Sheet: National estimates and general information on diabetes in the United States. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Georgia Home Medical. (2004). Diabetes Education. Retrieved February 23, 2007, from

Narayan, V. (1997). Diabetes Mellitus in Native Americans: The Problem and its Implications. Springer Netherlands.