Diabetes and Drug Treatments Essay

Posted: August 27th, 2024

Diabetes and Drug Treatments

Diabetes leads to poor regulation of glucose in the body. The various types include Type 1 and 2, juvenile as well as gestational diabetes. According to Dyson et al. (2018), type 1 or juvenile diabetes occurs when the pancreas is not producing insulin or secreting little to regulate glucose levels. Recent research has shown that early-onset type 1 diabetes may have different genetic markers compared to adult-onset cases (McGill et al., 2024). This discovery could lead to more targeted treatments in the future. Although the condition can develop at any age, it is mostly among children, teenagers, and young adults. Conversely, type 2 diabetes is evident when the organs are unable to effectively utilize insulin and the pancreas does not compensate with sufficient insulin secretion (Reusch & Manson, 2017). A groundbreaking study by Davies et al. (2022) has revealed that higher doses of GLP-1 receptor agonists can provide incremental benefits for glucose control and weight management in type 2 diabetes patients. Gestational diabetes involves high blood sugar levels among pregnant women only during the gestation period. Ongoing research is exploring the long-term effects of gestational diabetes on both mothers and their offspring, emphasizing the importance of proper management during pregnancy.

The selected condition is type 2 diabetes. The condition is treated using metformin. Patients can prepare to take the drug by first taking food to reduce the side effects. They can also slowly build up their dosage to the prescribed dose. The drug is administered by swallowing the tablet with water. It should be taken during meals to reduce negative effects. Interestingly, a study by Chong et al. (2024) found that newer antidiabetic therapies not only result in significant weight loss but also offer organ protection. However, they emphasize that glycemic control remains the primary goal in treatment. According to Dyson et al. (2018), dietary considerations for type 2 diabetes include eating complex carbohydrates such as whole wheat and avoiding processed carbohydrates such as pastries and white bread. Recent guidelines by Galindo et al. (2023) stress the importance of patient-centered care in type 2 diabetes management, focusing on both drug and non-drug approaches to reduce cardiovascular risks. This holistic approach considers individual patient factors, preferences, and comorbidities when designing treatment plans.

The short-term complications include hypoglycemia, which occurs when the blood glucose levels are low. Another short-term impact is a hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome, which occurs when the blood sugar is extremely high (Dyson et al., 2018). A recent CDC study (2024) revealed that over 80% of US adults with type 2 diabetes are eligible for new, effective diabetes medicines, highlighting the importance of staying updated on treatment options. Liakos et al. (2023) emphasize that modern management of type 2 diabetes goes beyond glycemic control and increasingly focuses on cardiovascular risk stratification. The long-term impact involves macrovascular complications such as partial loss of vision, kidney problems, nerve damage, heart attack and stroke (Reusch & Manson, 2017). For example, high blood sugar levels can cause cataracts or retinopathy leading to partial blindness. The drug treatment can cause negative effects including stomach upset, weight gain, metal taste, and diarrhea. Emerging research is exploring innovative treatments, including immune therapy and high-tech insulin pumps, which may offer more personalized and effective management options for diabetes patients in the near future (Healthline, 2023).

References

Chong, K., et al. (2024). Recent advances in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences, 40(1), 1-10.

Chrvala, C. A., Sherr, D., & Lipman, R. D. (2016). Diabetes self-management education for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review of the effect on glycemic control. Patient Education and Counseling, 99(6), 926-943.

Davies, M. J., et al. (2022). Management of hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetes, 2022. A consensus report by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD). Diabetologia, 65(12), 1925-1966.

Dyson, P. A., Twenefour, D., Breen, C., Duncan, A., Elvin, E., Goff, L., … & Mellor, D. (2018). Diabetes UK evidence‐based nutrition guidelines for the prevention and management of diabetes. Diabetic Medicine, 35(5), 541-547.

Galindo, R. J., et al. (2023). Advances in the management of type 2 diabetes in adults. BMJ Medicine, 2(1), e000372.

Healthline. (2023). Top Diabetes Treatment Advancements in 2023. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health-news/the-years-biggest-medical-advancements-in-diabetes-treatment

Liakos, A., et al. (2023). Management of type 2 diabetes in the new era. Hormones, 22(3), 385-397.

McGill, J. B., et al. (2024). The Current and Future Role of Insulin Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes Management. Diabetes Therapy, 15(3), 449-466.

Reusch, J. E., & Manson, J. E. (2017). Management of type 2 diabetes in 2017: getting to the goal. Jama, 317(10), 1015-1016.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Use of New Diabetes Medicines. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data-research/research/new-diabetes-medicines.html

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Response to 77

Hello, Usan Nso. I appreciate your clear description of the various types of diabetes. Your explanation provides a comprehensive overview that highlights the evolving nature of diabetes over the years. The explanation is excellent since you have described how the various types of diabetes have changed over the years, especially due to increased risk factors such as obesity among young people. This shift underscores the importance of addressing lifestyle factors in diabetes prevention and management. The description of the treatment plan about type 2 diabetes is also excellent since it focuses on eating healthy meals and exercising. These lifestyle modifications are crucial components of managing and potentially reversing type 2 diabetes. The examples of healthy meals such as fish or poultry are practical examples since white meat is readily available to people despite their economic power. Such dietary choices can be both cost-effective and beneficial for overall health. I also appreciate the prescriptions provided including the specific dosage and the frequency of taking the medication. This detailed information is vital for ensuring patient adherence and effective treatment outcomes. You have also indicated that the Canagliflozin is approved by the FDA, which increases the credibility of your work. FDA approval signifies that the medication has been rigorously tested for safety and efficacy. The treatment of diabetes requires accurate treatment to avoid severe conditions which can even lead to death. Therefore, a well-structured treatment plan is essential for preventing complications. The post was educative and well-referenced to provide an evidence-based practice approach that utilizes the best and currently available evidence. Such an approach ensures that patients receive the most effective and up-to-date care.

Response to 88

Thank you, Cindy Marcum, for the enriching content in your post about diabetes and drug treatment. Your insights contribute significantly to the understanding of diabetes management. I appreciate that you have provided the statistics on the increase of type 2 diabetes in America. These statistics highlight the urgent need for public health interventions. The statistics are necessary to provide a warning to individuals and relevant health departments about the need to combat the rising health crisis. This data-driven approach can help in formulating targeted strategies to curb the epidemic. The description of the various types of diabetes is also precise since it includes the changes that occur in the body resulting in the impaired secretion of insulin. Understanding these physiological changes is crucial for developing effective treatment plans. The insulin needs also vary among patients due to various factors such as puberty, age, and severity of the condition. This variability necessitates personalized treatment plans for optimal management. The information is an important caution to patients to avoid taking insulin without proper prescription. Misuse of insulin can lead to serious health risks, including hypoglycemia. The post has also clearly explained the long-term and short-term effects such as eye complications. Awareness of these potential complications can motivate patients to adhere to their treatment regimens. The information about the complications is necessary to provide caution to patients on the need to stay healthy all the time. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.