Identify the Health / Medicine Problem: Diabetes (Editing Sample)

Introduction
The prevalence of diabetes has grown immensely over the years. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 400 million people have diabetes around the world (International Diabetes Federation 2015). This figure is projected to grow in the coming years. In the U.A.E, it is estimated that over a million people have diabetes. As noted by Abraham, (2015), 3% of all deaths reported in U.A.E are associated with diabetes. These statistics have forced the government to raise the alarm on the severity of diabetes. The U.A.E government is currently determined to fight the prevalence of diabetes through the help of various international bodies. Therefore, this paper will explore the issue of diabetes in U.A.E by focusing on the causes, solutions and the effectiveness of those solutions.
Identify the problem:
As noted earlier, the U.A.E has the highest incidence of diabetes that currently affects approximately 19% of the adult population (Abraham 2015). The figure is according to the International Diabetes Federation that has collaborated with the U.A.E leadership to raise awareness on diabetes. Another study further estimates that by 2020 the percentage of adult population affected by diabetes is likely to increase to 35% (Rizvi 2016). The impact of such an increase is possible to cost approximately $8.5 billion if the prevailing trend persists. Studies have also shown that 70% of those who have diabetes are not in control of their medical condition. Such challenges are common, particularly among children and youths. Literature reveals that the number of deaths in the male population linked to diabetes is likely to increase to 17% and a whopping 32% among women (Saadi, et.al 2007).
Causes:
The incidences of diabetes are quite high in UAE. Most people in U.A.E who have diabetes are not aware of their medical condition, and thus they often seek for treatment when the condition has become severe. Saadi, et.al (2007), have identified five reasons that explain the high incidence of diabetes in the United Arab Emirates. The first cause that predisposes one to diabetes is obesity. Obesity is a condition associated with having excess weight due to unhealthy eating. Obesity is the leading cause of diabetes in most parts of the world. In U.A.E, for instance, approximately 60% of the population is considered obese due to excessive intake of food with high sugar and fat content. Based on recent research, about 36% of the UAE population are overweight (International Diabetes Federation 2015). Obesity is also a key contributing factor to various heart diseases.
Secondly, physical inactiveness is also a primary cause of the prevalence of diabetes in UAE. As noted by Klautzer, Becker & Mattke (2014), most people in the UAE rarely engage in physical exercise due to the hot weather condition. As such, the moderate activity rate predisposes them to diabetes since their bodies accumulate high sugar content. Physical exercises usually help the body to eliminate excess sugar in the blood and thus lowering the risk of developing diabetes. During physical exercises the body converts excess sugars to energy. The third cause of the growth in incidences of diabetes in UAE is the high intake of sugar diet among the population. Researchers report that most people in UAE prefer and often consume delicacies that have high sugar content. These delicacies often lead to the accumulation of sugar in the blood, and this increases the risk of developing diabetes.
The fourth contributing factor of diabetes is smoking. The U.A.E is reported to have one of the highest numbers of smokers. As Klautzer, Becker & Mattke (2014) note, smoking often speeds up the development diabetes. Habitual smokers are at a high risk of contracting diabetes. In Dubai, for instance, smoking is rampant in public places and social gatherings. The practice implies that nonsmokers are also prone to second-hand smoking, and this predisposes them to diabetes. Finally, as indicated by various scientific studies, Arabs, as well as a section of the world population, have an insulin resistance due to their genetic predisposition. As asserted by Imperial College London Diabetes Center (2011), a combination of the lifestyle aspects and the insulin resistance among most of the UAE population is a key contributing factor to the growth of diabetes incidences in the Middle Eastern country.
Solutions:
Some strategies are available that the government of UAE can utilize or has already used to fight the growth and prevalence of diabetes both among the adult and young population. First, the government in conjunction with Non-governmental institutions can raise awareness particularly among the adult population on the essence of healthy eating. As earlier mentioned, obesity results from the consumption of unhealthy foods such as junk foods and moderate physical activity. A study conducted in 2012 revealed that majority of the UAE population was aware of the potential effects of diabetes on their lives (Saadi, et.al 2007). However, the awareness differs across various social groups based on their education level. The study further revealed that the less educated population had little knowledge about their predisposition to diabetes about their lifestyle. As such, due to lack of awareness, the prevalence of diabetes is high among the less educated and low-income earners in UAE.
Secondly, diabetes, obesity and other lifestyle diseases should be made a key public health priority in UAE. By doing so, the government will be in a position to put in place strong policy interventions to help curb the prevalence of diabetes. Good examples include policies that require employers to provide exercising amenities to their employees, a ban on foods with high-fat content in food joints and increased tax on sugary beverages and foods (Al-Maskari & El-Sadig 2007). Though such policies may not be received well by a section of the population, they are likely to prevent the prevalence of diabetes. Finally, it is important to note that successful diabetes preventive effort should encompass both physical exercise and healthy eating. These efforts should be indoctrinated in the school curriculum since diabetes, and other lifestyle diseases are currently rampant among young adults and children. Teaching children and young adults the essence and benefits of healthy eating can help shape their lifestyle and thus they will be able to live a life devoid of health complication during their adult years. Physical exercise is an effective way of eliminating excess body fat and sugar. Recent researches conducted in UAE revealed that majority of the people that engage in physical activity still maintain unhealthy eating habits. As noted by Klautzer, Becker & Mattke (2014) for physical exercise to be effective, it should go hand in hand with healthy eating habits.
Effectiveness:
Campaigns that raise awareness on diabetes and various lifestyle diseases have proved useful in the reduction of diabetes in UAE (Klautzer, Becker & Mattke, 2014). Ignorance is one of the key contributing factors of various lifestyle diseases. As noted earlier, the less educated are often less informed about their predisposition to diabetes as a res...