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Reaction Paper On Diabetes

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Diabetes is a health crises that reaches beyond the borders of the United States. It is a global problem in developed and third-world countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) states, “The number of people with diabetes has risen from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014” and “Diabetes prevalence has been rising more rapidly in middle- and low-income countries” (Diabetes, 2017). We have seen a rise within our own borders as many of us or close relatives have succumbed to the disease. As Americans we are fortunate to have many resources for prevention, treatment and maintaining our health, nevertheless the numbers continue to rise. The World Health Organization lists diabetes as being the 7th leading cause of death by the year …show more content…

Here in the United States we tend to eat much more than what is healthy. Our serving sizes/portions of food is beyond what’s recommended by the ______________. In our fast paced world, cooking at home is not necessarily the norm anymore and we consume many processed foods laden with excessive amounts of sugar in various forms. Diet, economics, lifestyle, genetics all can play a role in developing diabetes. Except for genetics the others are modifiable. Prevention of Type 2 diabetes can be facilitated by eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy body weight, regular exercise or physical activity, and non-use of tobacco products. Further, diabetes and its complications, many of which are life-threatening, can be avoided all together or have a delayed onset with regular physical examinations, screenings and medications for those who has a propensity for the disease (Diabetes, 2017).

In his studies Hu (1970, January 01) further determined that Asia has become an epicenter, with India coming in second, of the diabetes epidemic accounting for 60% of the world’s diabetic population. This is due to a high usage of tobacco, abuse of alcohol, large consumption of refined carbohydrates such as white rice. This is a problem here in the U.S. as we have a diet rich in white rice, white bread, and fast

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