Assignment 3: Social, Behavioral, and Psychosocial Causes of Diseases: Type 2 Diabetes (T2D)

Dr. Moretz
HSA 535 Managerial Epidemiology
December 14, 2013

Analyze the development of T2D in the U.S., and compare its development to developing countries in general. T2D is a progressive endocrine disorder characterized by abnormal secretion or action of insulin, which leads to elevated blood glucose. Over time elevated blood glucose results in damage to multiple organ systems. Data from the 2011 National Diabetes fact sheet states that 25.8 million children and adults in the United States, or 8.3% of the population, have diabetes. 18.8 million People have been diagnosed while there are 7 …show more content…

Direct psychological consequences can arise from any one of these factors, making it harder for patients to treat their diabetes and live productive, enjoyable lives. Diabetes self-management can be difficult and frustrating for both patients and practitioners. Information is needed about which barriers present the greatest obstacles for which types of patients, and from this, practical, cost-effective interventions need to be developed.
Little published research exists on psychosocial issues in adolescents with type 2 diabetes because until two decades ago, diabetes diagnosed in children and adolescents was almost exclusively type 1 diabetes mellitus or insulin-dependent diabetes. In the past two decades, rates of T2D have increased, especially in adolescents from families of minority racial and ethnic groups. Youth with T2D are most often obese, have a parent or other first-degree relative with T2D, and are of low socioeconomic status.
There are a wide range of psychosocial issues important to address in the clinical management of type 2 diabetes. For some patients, these issues are serious enough to warrant active treatment by the clinician, or referral to other healthcare professionals. Some psychosocial issues have practical, patient- centered strategies to aid the busy clinician. We should not lose sight of the fact that both obesity and type 2 diabetes are preventable diseases that have major public health