Living with Diabetes

Diabetes has been a growing problem for many years among adults in the United States. There is a growing number of Hispanic being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Hispanic people are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than non-Hispanic people (American 2013). Type 2 diabetes, in Hispanic should be addressed because the disease can be prevented. This disease can lead to number of medical problems if it goes untreated or if significant life style changes aren’t made. Simple changes can be made to prevent getting this disease. Such as, adding more fresh fruits and vegetables, drinking more water and limiting fast food intake (American 2013). Losing excess weight is an excellent way to reduce developing type 2 diabetes. A good way to do this is getting the whole family involved in biking or walking. If this issue isn’t addressed more people will develop the disease, that is preventable. Another result of this would be that the government will have to budget more money towards healthcare.

Diabetes is a problem with your body that causes blood glucose (sugar) levels to rise higher than normal. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. People whose body does not use insulin properly have what’s known as type 2 diabetes or often called insulin resistance. At first, your pancreas makes extra insulin to make up for the lack of blood glucose. But, over time it isn't able to keep up and can't make enough insulin to keep your blood glucose at normal levels. “According to national examination surveys, Mexican Americans are almost twice as likely as non-Hispanic whites to be diagnosed with diabetes by a physician. They have higher rates of end-stage renal disease, caused by diabetes, and they are 50% more likely to di...

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...YMCA- Diabetic prevention program also educates individuals who are at risk with type 2 diabetes on how to change their lifestyle in a way that will improve their health. The YMCA program not only has nutritional classes but also focuses primarily on the importance of exercise. This program has highly qualified coaches and personal trainers who work with the individuals one- on- one to make a personal exercising plan. National Institute of Health Research has proven that prevention programs like the YMCA have reduced the risk of Type II diabetes by 60%. Even though there is not a specific program for Hispanics individuals, programs are slowly making Spanish classes accessible (National Institute of Health Research).

Works Cited

American Diabetes Assocaion."Living with Diabetes." Preventing Type 2 in Children. American Diabetes Association, 2013. Web. 2 Nov. 2013.