Morgan:
A Case of Diabetes by Lisa Rubin and Clyde Freeman Herreid University at Buffalo, State University of New York Part I 2 Assignment 1: Research and write the first part of your paper to include the general facts about diabetes to better address Morgan’s concerns. Include references in APA format at the end of the entire paper.
Your main objectives are: 1. Distinguish between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes by comparing and contrasting their definitions, bodily effects, warning signs, target groups, and current treatments in a table.
2. Statistics concerning both types of diabetes.
3. The function of insulin and its involvement with diabetes.
4. Answer the following question:
Recent studies on mice have shown that fat cells produce a hormone called resistin, leading to insulin resistance. Researchers believe the gene that regulates resistin production is overactive in those suffering from obesity. How does this discovery correlate with Type 2 diabetes?
Part II Morgan continued to sit in the doctor’s office, listening but not hearing. Her doctor had explained how diabetes would increase her risk of heart disease and stroke, risks she already had from obesity, as well as kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy) and blindness. How could this happen to her just now, before her marriage? “Morgan, I understand this news is devastating for you, but I want to clarify that Type 2 diabetes is easily controllable through exercise, good nutrition, and weight loss.” “You mean if I lose weight, I’ll be OK?” “Yes. If you are careful, weight loss will help manage your disease, and exercise will help your cells take in blood glucose. I want you to take a day or two to clear your mind for the road ahead and read this literature. Then schedule an appointment with our nutritionist, Dr. Navarro. Losing weight will be easier for you, in my opinion, with the guidance of a professional. Come back in one month for a checkup, OK? Will you do that for me?” Morgan went home that afternoon in a state of frustration and denial. She said nothing to her parents, but that was hardly unusual. The next day, she spoke of the bad news to her family and friends and explained how weight loss was supposed to be an effective treatment. “I know just what you should do,” said Morgan’s close friend, Savannah. “You know how I’ve been losing weight? Well, I’ve been on the Atkins Diet. I heard about it on TV. It’s great! You get to eat steak, chicken wings, and all the good stuff. All you have to do is limit carbohydrate intake.
You should give it a try. This diet has been around for years and has worked for many people, including me.” “I don’t know,” said Morgan’s brother, Alan. “There’s a lot of argument about the Atkins Diet. I think the best thing for you to do is exercise and stop eating all of that pizza and candy and food filled with fat. Our people never used to eat that junk. I say eat meals that are nutritionally balanced, high in fiber, and low in refined sugars and saturated fats. And run a lot. Stop sitting around the house.” Morgan sat silently, listening to the family debate.
Finally, she looked at the corner of the room where her grandfather sat quietly. “Grandfather, what do you think? You are health conscious, exercise regularly, and know a lot about nutrition. What do you say?” He said nothing for a long moment, and then “Morgan, it is true that it is best to live in harmony and balance—to eat a nutritionally balanced diet that includes carbohydrates, proteins, and ‘good’ fats to meet your body’s needs. That is good. But look to your heritage. Our people were never overweight before we started eating ‘civilized’ food. Look to our native diet. I think you should look to traditional herbal remedies for help. What Alan says is true. Exercise is good. But it is sometimes not enough. Our people have always looked to natural medicine for cures. They will lift your spirits and energize you. Then you will lose weight, and you will be healthy again.” “Do you mean I should take those herbs from the diet shop?” “Yes. I hear they are safe and good. But you must take them as the medicine label says. It can’t hurt to try them.”
Assignment 2: What should Morgan do? Research the pros and cons of the Atkins’ Diet, a diet high in fiber and low in saturated fat. Also, research health store supplements containing the herb ephedra (ephedrine).
Find out what major healthcare organizations say about these. Research the possible effects of exercise to control weight.
Write a paper with three parts with the results of your research for the three points of view, i.e., Savannah, Alan, and Grandfather. Include references and in-text citations, and cite your sources in APA format.
