NURS 8310 Week 10 Discussion Addressing Chronic Disease

Diabetes is a persistent medical condition that arises due to insufficient secretion or production of insulin by the pancreas. It has the potential to impact blood sugar levels and may result in hypertension, elevated blood pressure, and harm to multiple physiological systems (Younossi et al., 2019). The most prevalent form of diabetes, type 2, is primarily observed in adults and is distinguished by its resistance to insulin. An association exists between the disease’s rise in prevalence in low-income nations and variables such as sedentary habits, inadequate dietary selections, and excessive energy consumption (Fang & Selvin, 2021). Chronic diseases are characterized by their continued presence for one year, although the precise duration may differ depending on the treatment. T2D is a pathological state characterized by blood glucose levels surpassing the established normal range. This paper illustrates type 2 diabetes and improvement initiatives in the US.

Chronic Health Concerns and Population

Approximately 9.4% of the American population, or 30.3 million individuals, are affected by diabetes. Diabetes has exhibited a substantial rise in prevalence during the last fifty years, affecting 7.2 million individuals undiagnosed and 23 million diagnosed (Déruaz‐Luyet et al., 2020). Diabetes affects approximately 40% of the population aged 65 and older, and the number of diagnosed and undiagnosed cases is expected to reach 55 million by 2030. 90%-95% of cases are classified as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), distinguished by elevated blood glucose levels, peripheral insulin resistance, and insulin deficiency. Older age, obesity, a family history of diabetes, gestational diabetes, physical inactivity, impaired glucose metabolism, race/ethnicity, and impaired glucose metabolism are all risk factors for T2DM. Regions with the highest incidence of diabetes are Central America and the Middle East/Northern Africa.

Complications associated with uncontrolled diabetes have the potential to adversely affect health-related quality of life and elevate the risk of mortality. Complications of the microvascular and macrovascular systems are included, including neuropathy, stroke, retinopathy, and nephropathy. The risk of stroke is increased by 1.4 to 5.8 times in individuals with diabetes, while the mortality rate from cardiovascular disease is 1.7 times higher in adults aged 18 and older. Diabetic adults aged 20 and older in the United States have a high prevalence of chronic kidney disease; diabetes is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Complications such as retinopathy and peripheral neuropathy have the potential to cause severely disabling sequelae. Among individuals aged 20 and older, diabetes is responsible for 60% of non-traumatic lower-limb amputations. Adults aged 40 and above who have diabetes are 28.5% susceptible to advanced diabetic retinopathy, which results in profound visual impairment and complete blindness (Ali et al., 2020).

The incidence and complications of diabetes are on the rise among the elderly, resulting in heightened healthcare demands and a decline in health-related quality of life. 59% of healthcare expenditures in the United States in 2012 were attributed to diabetes in the 65-plus age group; nursing and residential care costs associated with diabetes amounted to an estimated $11.8 billion. Dementia and cognitive impairment may exacerbate the adverse effects on health-related quality of life. Physical and mental comorbidities, including chronic pain, cognitive impairment, and renal impairment, can manifest in older patients to differing degrees. These conditions can elevate the likelihood of experiencing hypoglycemia, falls, and melancholy. In order to effectively manage T2DM in the elderly, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) advises a holistic approach that considers their specific susceptibilities and the effects of various management strategies on these areas.

Geographic Region and Demographics of The Population

There is a higher prevalence of T2D among individuals of African American, Asian American, and Latino descent. Their increased susceptibility can be directly linked to their limited engagement in physical exercise. The United States has undergone a steady economic expansion, with far-reaching implications for municipalities and states nationwide. The alteration of the natural environment has heightened the likelihood of individuals developing T2D. It is common for individuals over the age of 45 who have been diagnosed with T2D to often face challenges in effectively managing their blood sugar levels (Ali et al., 2020).

The patients in the population demonstrate inadequate blood sugar control as a result of poorly managed diabetes. As per the World Health Organization, people with T2D often experience symptoms like excessive th