Essay --

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) due to absolute (Type 1 diabetes) or relative (Type 2 diabetes) deficiency of insulin hormone (World Health Organization, 1999). Diabetes affects almost every organ system in the body due to metabolic problems caused by hyperglycemia, especially in undiagnosed or uncontrolled individuals (World Health Organization, 1999). Until recently it was believed that diabetes affected mainly developed countries, but recent research reveals an increase in the number of type 2 diabetes cases in developing countries (Chuang, 2002; Kinra, 2010; Narayanappa, 2011). Diabetes is associated with complications such as cardiovascular diseases, renal failure, loss of vision and neurological impairment, which can lead to a chronic disease state and even death (American Diabetes Association, 2004). The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 350 million people worldwide have diabetes. Almost 80% of deaths caused by diabetes occur in countries with low income. According to WHO, India is currently the country most affected by this disease with more than 32 million diabetic patients (Mohan, 2005). Background Insufficient response to insulin in what causes diabetes. The pancreas, an accessory gland of the digestive system, is the organ that produces insulin (ref Human Biology Book). The pancreas has a dual function because it features as both an endocrine and an exocrine gland. The part of the pancreas with endocrine function is organized in cell clusters called islets of Langerhans, which contains four main cell types that can be classified according to their secretion: alpha cells secrete glucagon, beta cells secrete insulin, del... ...cose multiple times each day and dealing with the various highs and lows (both physical and emotional) of life with diabetes can make all the difference. Conclusions To prevent diabetes related morbidity and mortality, there is an immense need of dedicated self-care behaviors in multiple domains, including food choices, physical activity, proper medications intake and blood glucose monitoring from the patients. Though multiple demographic, socio-economic and social support factors can be considered as positive contributors in facilitating self-care activities in diabetic patients, role of clinicians in promoting self-care is vital and has to be emphasized. Realizing the multi-faceted nature of the problem, a systematic, multi-pronged and an integrated approach is required for promoting self-care practices among diabetic patients to avert any long-term complications. Essay -- Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) due to absolute (Type 1 diabetes) or relative (Type 2 diabetes) deficiency of insulin hormone (World Health Organization, 1999). Diabetes affects almost every organ system in the body due to metabolic problems caused by hyperglycemia, especially in undiagnosed or uncontrolled individuals (World Health Organization, 1999). Until recently it was believed that diabetes affected mainly developed countries, but recent research reveals an increase in the number of type 2 diabetes cases in developing countries (Chuang, 2002; Kinra, 2010; Narayanappa, 2011). Diabetes is associated with complications such as cardiovascular diseases, renal failure, loss of vision and neurological impairment, which can lead to a chronic disease state and even death (American Diabetes Association, 2004). The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 350 million people worldwide have diabetes. Almost 80% of deaths caused by diabetes occur in countries with low income. According to WHO, India is currently the country most affected by this disease with more than 32 million diabetic patients (Mohan, 2005). Background Insufficient response to insulin in what causes diabetes. The pancreas, an accessory gland of the digestive system, is the organ that produces insulin (ref Human Biology Book). The pancreas has a dual function because it features as both an endocrine and an exocrine gland. The part of the pancreas with endocrine function is organized in cell clusters called islets of Langerhans, which contains four main cell types that can be classified according to their secretion: alpha cells secrete glucagon, beta cells secrete insulin, del... ...cose multiple times each day and dealing with the various highs and lows (both physical and emotional) of life with diabetes can make all the difference. Conclusions To prevent diabetes related morbidity and mortality, there is an immense need of dedicated self-care behaviors in multiple domains, including food choices, physical activity, proper medications intake and blood glucose monitoring from the patients. Though multiple demographic, socio-economic and social support factors can be considered as positive contributors in facilitating self-care activities in diabetic patients, role of clinicians in promoting self-care is vital and has to be emphasized. Realizing the multi-faceted nature of the problem, a systematic, multi-pronged and an integrated approach is required for promoting self-care practices among diabetic patients to avert any long-term complications.