Physiological Aspects of Diabetes

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer examines type 1 diabetes and notes that stress is particularly dangerous for people with diabetes. The writer points out that the hormones that the body releases as part of the fight or flight response are meant to prepare the body for quick action. These hormones break down stored glycogen into blood glucose, which the body should be able to use for energy. However, the writer explains that people with diabetes cannot effectively use this extra glucose for energy, so the result is a rapid rise in blood sugar. The writer concludes that without a complete understanding of the condition there is no way to know how to treat it, as well as convert one's lifestyle in order to reap the maximum benefits possible considering the situation.

From the Paper:

"Most of us have more first-hand experience with stress than we care to think about. The term 'stress' means many things to many different people. One person may define stress as pressure, tension or an emotional response. Stress is a response that occurs in ones body as a reaction to the demands of everyday life resulting in physiological and psychological changes in the body. Many things occur each day that require us to adapt. These might include noise, crowding, a bad relationship, job interviews, or commuting to work. These are known as stressors. The changes that take place in ones body when something, 'the stressor', provokes you are known as the stress response. We all know that stress can play a role in causing or exacerbating virtually any medical problem and diabetes is no exception. In fact, it has been suggested that any experience with diabetes both causes and can be affected by stress. Stress is a natural survival response. It occurs within the body when you feel threatened by thoughts or external stressors. When you are in a stressful situation, ones circulatory system speeds up and blood is pushed rapidly towards different parts of the body, particularly those organs and systems necessary to protect you and this raises ones blood pressure. Because the blood supply has been diverted, the supply to the digestive system is usually reduced as well, making the process of digestion slower and less effective. Stress also constricts the blood vessels, increases heart rate, and produces other physiological manifestations, all instantaneously."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Clark, M. (2004). Understanding Diabetes. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
• Colberg, S. R. (2000). Practical Management of Type 1 Diabetes during Exercise. JOPERD--The Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 71(2), 24.
• Edelwich, J., & Brodsky, A. (1998). Diabetes: Caring for Your Emotions as Well as Your Health. Reading, MA: Perseus Books.
• Thompson, S. J., Auslander, W. F., & White, N. H. (2001). Influence of Family Structure on Health among Youths with Diabetes. Health and Social Work, 26(1), 7.

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