Type II Diabetes Mellitus
Type II DM (T2DM) is the most prevalent type of DM, accounting for over 90% of all diabetes …show more content…
Ultimately, this causes a high effect on the society, particularly children. Children with low SES are often more likely to experience multiple environmental and social risk factors which simultaneously predispose them to chronic illnesses including diabetes. For example, among a large sample of American men and women, those who were of a lower SES as children had an 80% greater risk of developing type II diabetes in their later life than those from a higher socioeconomic background. Furthermore, when factors such as adult educational attainment, income, occupation, body mass index, physical activity, and coping skills, in respect to SES, are put into consideration, the risk for T2DM between individuals from a low socioeconomic position and those from a higher socioeconomic background appears to double (Raphael, 2011). Similar findings are reported among young UK women. Among women who were manual workers, evidence suggested a diabetes rate of 8.3% if their parents were also manual workers and 6% if their parents were non-manual workers and with a higher income. Among women who were non-manual workers, their diabetes rate was 4.9% if their parents were non-manual workers. However, the rate increased to 8.1% if their parents were manual workers (Raphael, 2011). In this way, childhood financial circumstances appear to be the primary predictor of the incidence of childhood and …show more content…
Type 2 diabetes results from the interaction between genetic predisposition, behavioural, and environmental risk factors. Although the genetic basis of type 2 diabetes is yet to be identified, there is strong evidence that modifiable risk factors such as low SES, obesity, and physical inactivity are the main non-genetic determinants of the disease. Thus, it is important for nurses to incorporate health promotion and encourage lifestyle changes in each care they provide. Also, with strong evidence suggesting a relationship between low SES and childhood onset of type II DM, it is important that nurses advocate and develop programs that can promote equal opportunities for all. For example, by working with patients to address health determinants through patient literacy, healthy eating options, and developing healthy lifestyles among others. Another implication of T2DM for nurses involves knowing at risk populations (Aboriginals, Hispanics, and African-Americans) and developing appropriate screening tools, prevention, and management programs for these populations. Finally, for those living with the disease, nurses need to provide appropriate teaching on the proper use of insulin or other diabetes medications, signs and symptoms of elevated or low blood glucose, and possible ways to prevent