Nutrition and Diabetes (Essay Sample)

Nutrition and Diabetes Student Institutional Affiliation Nutrition and Diabetes Overview of the Diabetes Problem Diabetes mellitus remains one of the most common chronic disorders. It affects a significant section of the population on the global scale. The condition is common among the people of Caribean African descent (Hill, 2003). The cases are also common among the Asians. A significant amount of cases remain undiagnosed with the trend worsening on the global scale. Statistics indicate that the prevalence of diabetes stands at about 110 million and the threat of increase is highly visible (Hill, 2003). Technological advancement has been effective in ensuring that significant treatment options are implemented to address the condition. Diabetes mellitus can be described as a chronic disease that arises from the genetic makeup of an individual (Hill, 2003). It can also be acquired when the pancreas faces challenges in the process of producing a sufficient amount of insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin leads to the increased glucose concentration in the blood that presents significant challenges to the functioning of the critical organs in the human body. Blood vessels and nerves are the most affected in the process. Effect of Carbohydrates on the Diabetes Patients Carbohydrate digestion remains the most significant source of glucose (Hill, A. 2003). Carbohydrates in food end up as sugar before they are absorbed in the bloodstream. Consumption of a more substantial amount of carbohydrates plays a vital role in enhancing the blood sugar levels (Aitken, 1997). The effect of a given carbohydrate on the blood sugar is associated with the preparation method. Raw food, for instance, is digested much slowly in comparison to cooked food (Proquest.com, 1999). The slow break down ensures that the sugar is released into the bloodstream at a much slower pace. Cooking enhanced the speed of sugar absorption, thus worsening the condition of diabetes patients. Insulin plays a critical role in moving glucose from the bloodstream to the tissues. The conversion is key to ensuring that the glucose can be effectively converted into energy. Glucose is the primary source of energy for all cells (Marcia & Marion, 2010). Diabetes patients are classified as either type 1 or type 2 based on the different metabolic processes associated with the specific case. Type 1 diabetes is characterized by the failure of the pancreas to produce insulin. The patient requires lifetime injection of insulin for survival (Bassett, 2004). Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is characterized by the beta cells producing insulin that is not sufficient (Bassett, 2004). The patients, in some instances, experience some level of resistance to the effects of insulin. It is the most common type and accounts for the majority of the reported cases. The condition has a common occurrence among people in their middle ages or older. Treatment is majorly based on diet and change of lifestyle. The earliest treatment options pay close emphasis on nutrition, regular exercising, and neglecting common behaviors like smoking. Treatment with oral hypoglycemic agents is also used as a treatment option. Insulin therapy is also recommended to improve the patient's glycemic control capabilities. The Role of Nutrition in Managing Diabetes Diet plays a critical role in the clinical management of diabetes. It is an instrumental approach aimed at achieving and maintaining optimal glycemic control. The aspect increases the possibility of preventing as well as reducing the risk of complications that can be classified as short term as well as long term. Attainment of the required body weight can also be achieved through the implementation of dietary controls. The treatment is also instrumental in the process of normalizing the blood lipid levels that plays a significant role in reducing blood pressure. The general outcome of the treatment process is the improvement of the general quality of life. Nutrition remains one of the traditional core cornerstones of treatment as well as self-management option for diabetes patients. The development of the diabetic diet has been essential in ensuring that the risk factors among patients are reduced. Application of sugar free candy in the treatment process has explicitly been instrumental in defining the diabetic foods. The treatment option is presented on the outpatient basis. Individualization principle is applied dramatically in managing the condition due to the variations among patients. The approach is based on an individual nutrition assessment that is pegged on the overall goal that needs to be achieved. However, proper labelling is critical in guiding the patients in the process of making the right choices. The American Diabetes Association has been playing a pivotal role in assisting the patients in the dietary treatment process (Wheeler, 1997). The authority maintains the sole responsibility of approving the right food for the patients. Application of the labelling strategy has been effective in ensuring that the treatment process is not jeopardized. The department is responsible for conducting technical reviews in ensuring that diabetes patients are not presented as people with unique dietary needs. Application of the current nutrition recommendations has been useful in assisting the patients in making critical dietary decisions. The approach is vital in reducing the cases of secondary complications associated with diabetes. Studies indicate that the majority of the patients found in the longterm care facilities is not solely out of diabetes, but the complexities necessitated by the condition. It, therefore, focuses on ensuring that the patients have access to information that can assist them in living comfortably despite the situation. Importance of Biomarkers in Identifying the Patients at Greater Risks Discovery of biomarkers has been efficient in the process of diagnosing type 2 diabetes early enough. The approach is critical in identifying the people who are at higher risk of developing the condition. The plan also assists the nutrition scientists in monitoring the progress of experimental nutrition as well as exercise-based approaches aimed at preventing diabetes. Understanding the potential of the natural compound in the body is critical in the implementation of the treatment options. Biomarkers such as fatty acylcarnitines are essential in the diag...