Diabetes Mellitus (DM)

Term Paper # 100404

Medical and Health > Medical Studies
Medical and Health > Public Health Issues

This paper is a literary review studying diabetes mellitus (DM), a very complex disease that attacks the human body in a number of ways.

2,175 words () | 18 sources | APA | 2007 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper examines (1) the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) among various cohorts within the general population, (2) the criteria used to diagnose the disease, (3) the progression of the disease, (4) the biological changes that cause the symptoms, (5) the organelles, cells and tissues directly affected by the disease, (6) the risk factors that heighten an individual's susceptibility to the disease and (7) some common treatments. The author points out that, as with most health problems, genetics play a key role in making some people more vulnerable to DM. The paper concludes that it has only been in the last couple of decades that effective treatments have been developed that can save lives and perceptibly improve the quality of life for diabetes sufferers.

From the Paper:

"Returning once more to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC), it is relevant to note that, as of 2005, 2.4 percent of the American population aged 20-39 had diabetes; for those aged 40-59, that figure rose 10.1 percent. Finally, for those over the age of 60, the percentage was an alarming 20.9 percent. Looking at the matter strictly from a gender-based perspective, it also appears as though men are more likely than women to contract diabetes, with 10.9 million American men over the age of 2005 having the disease versus only 9.7 million."

Sample of Sources Used:

Belvin, J. 1996. Diabetic neuropathy in elderly patients. What can be done? Drugs & Aging 8(6): 416-429.
Burger, W. 1986. Annual progression of retinopathy in conventionally treated children and adolescents with type I diabetes mellitus. Acta Endocrinologica (Supplementum) 279: 321-325.
Gavin, J.R. 1998. New classification and diagnostic criteria for diabetes mellitus. Clinical Cornerstone, 1(3): 1-12.
Goke, B. 1998. Implications of blood glucose, insulin resistance and beta-cell function in impaired glucose tolerance. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice 40 (Suppl): S15-20.
Grossman, L.D. 2002. New solutions for type II diabetes mellitus: the role of Pioglitazone. PharmacoEconomics 20(1): 1-9.