Module 3: Diabetes and Obesity

Module 3: Diabetes and Obesity

Introduction

Diabetes and obesity is a growing concern for physicians around the world and many researchers have linked the presence of a relationship between the two phenomenons. Only recently, researchers have been successful enough I finding the missing link between the simultaneous presences of both health diseases. The aim of this paper is to investigate the presence and nature of the relationship between obesity and diabetes, with particular reference to junk and fast food, and Free Fatty Acids (FFA) in particular through the help of research questions and research hypotheses.

Discussion

Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is the term coined for a group of metabolic diseases and which denotes the original symptom of excreting excessive sugar in the urine. The patient suffers from increased levels of glucose in the blood hyperglycemia. Diabetes mellitus affects different organs and tissues and is characterized by an incurable and lifelong nature. The essential cause is the low production or improper use of the insulin hormone by the body. Individuals suffering with diabetes cannot use the energy, thus high levels of glucose levels build up in the blood and urine, leading to a condition known as hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).

Apart from excessive emission of urine, other symptoms include abnormal eating, increased thirst, and weight loss. The World Health recognizes three forms of diabetes mellitus: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes (occurring during pregnancy), each with different causes and different influence.

Obesity

Obesity is a chronic disease of multifactorial origin and is characterized by excessive accumulation of fat in the body. It should be noted that fat is a source of energy and is an essential component of the body of any living organism; however when this natural energy reserve which is stored as body fat increases to a threshold point, it becomes associated with numerous complications such as certain health conditions or diseases and increased mortality (Ali 2012).

The WHO (World Health Organization) describes and characterizes obesity when the Body Mass Index (BMI) which is calculated by height and weight of the individual, increases to more than 25 - 30 kg / m². Additionally, an increased waist circumference in men greater than or equal to 102 cm and in women greater than or equal to 88 cm is also considered as a sign of obesity (Ali 2012).

Research Question

What is the nature of the relationship between obesity and diabetes?

Research Hypothesis

H0: Western culture, especially junk food consumption pattern explains the growing relationship between obesity and diabetes

H1: Eating habits, especially westernized fast food does not explains the relationship between obesity and diabetes

Literature Review

Type 2 diabetes is the most widespread type of Diabetes and was traditionally found mainly in persons over the age of 41. However, the prevalence of diabetes has substantially increased in younger individuals, especially in children who are simultaneously facing the dilemma of obesity.

The largest cross sectional and randomized telephonic survey was conducted in the United States, which questions the behavioral practices of adults, established an alarming presence of obesity, as well as, diabetes in the ...