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Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 Diabetes

Decent Essays

Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 is on the rise in the United States, with a new case diagnosed every 30 seconds (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 2015). Diabetes is similarly on the rise in Africa, with an estimated 8 million cases to be diagnosed by 2025 (Mbanya,2006, p. 1628-1629). The standard of care for a diabetes patient is the same however, regardless of the continent. However due to the economic restraints of Africa, the standard of care is not feasible for most and the patient therefore suffers. This paper will demonstrate the similarities and differences between the United States and Africa in regards to type 2 diabetes. Similarly in both countries, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes is on the rise. While a difference between the …show more content…

In the United States insulin is readily available for a patient to use with a prescription from their physician. The Physician determines the best insulin therapy for the patient and the physician then monitors the patient’s blood sugar levels to see if the insulin therapy is working correctly (Mayo Clinic, 2015). Patients and physicians can use a glucometer to check the patient’s blood glucose levels. These machines are readily available to the public and there is also assistance from the government if a patient cannot afford the machine themselves (Food and Drug Administration, 2015). Monitoring blood glucose with a glucometer and controlling it with insulin are effective ways to control a patient’s blood glucose. However this basic medical fact is not readily available in Africa, due to its economic status.
Africa’s economic status is the most influential reason as to why diabetes care is so much different than it is here in the United States. In Africa, the average yearly income per individual is about equal to $300 dollars here in the United States. The care of someone with diabetes can cost $150-$200 a year, with insulin making up $75-$100 dollars of this amount (Beren, 2006, p. 1689-1695). It is evident that the majority of individuals or families cannot afford the care that goes along with a diabetes diagnoses. Insulin, even if someone would be able to afford it, is usually not even available to those that need it. Out of the 25 countries in Africa

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