Bckground -- Diabetes Mellitus Is Also Known Essay

Bckground -- Diabetes mellitus is also known as Type II Diabetes, or non-insulin-dependent diabetes (adult onset diabetes in certain cases). The disorder is due to a number of variables that are present in the modern, developed world -- sugary foods, fast foods, lack of exercise, etc. It is characterized by higher than normal blood glucose levels that play havoc with insulin deficiency and resistance. Insulin resistance means that cells do not respond appropriately when there is free insulin in the blood system. Essentially, they body is reacting to an improper balance of sugars and insulin. Because obesity is often present, research suggests that even thought the mechanisms controling glucose and insulin are unclear, the adopose tissue likely plays a crucial role in the lack of proper uptake of sugards. Two new emergent ideas show that there is an issue of ectopic fat storage (fatty deposits in the muscles, liver, and pancreas) and secretion of various chemicals into the endocrine system because of excessive adipose (Medscape News, 2004).

Unfortunately, science has yet to find a complete cure; but if managed through diet and exercise, the condition may be mitigated. Nevertheless, if untreated, Type II Diabetes may become quite serious and require the medication of symptoms in order to the patient to maintain a productive life (American Diabetes Association, 2009).

The Study -- "The Effects of a Pre-Packaged, Portion Controlled Meal Plan on Type 2 Diabetes and Glycemic Control: A Comparison Study."

Location of Study: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at Temple University

Collaborators: Nutrisystem, Inc., University of Pennsylvania

Condition: Obesity

Intervention: Behavioral portion controlled diet; diabetes support and education

Overview of Study: Diabetes mellitus type II, formerly called non-insulin dependent diabetes or adult onset diabetes is a metabolic disorder that is medically characterized by high blood glucose (with resistant insulin and deficiencies in insulin production and uptake). Initially, the condition is managed by increasing the exercise load for the client and changing their diet. However, at times the condition remains rather unresponsive and more aggressive action may be needed (Kumar, 2005, 1194-5).One of the major determinants of type-2 diabetes is a combination of lack of exercise and obesity, one leading to the other. Type-II diabetes is costly to the public and healthcare industiry, and is changing demographics -- moving from an adult disease to adolescents and children based on lifestyle modifiers -- so much so that it is now a pandemic. No one approach to the condition is available, resulting in researchers suggesting a multidimmensional and multi-disciplinary approach: combining counseling, exercise and diet. When used singly, research shows that interventions alone do not seem to be effective. The key, it seems, is finding the appropriate level…