Diabetes and the african-american population Essay

Diabetes and the african-american population - Essay Example Moreover, diabetes is also associated with the development of nephropathy with potential renal failure, autonomic dysfunction, and foot ulcers. Thirst, polyuria, blurring of vision, and weight loss are the characteristic clinical presentation of diabetes. Diabetes can lead to ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar non-ketotic coma. Individuals with diabetes are often asymptomatic and some patients experience mild symptoms. For many centuries, there has been an awareness of different types of diabetes with varying severity. At the beginning of the 20th century, the possibility that there are two distinct types of diabetes emerged. The two types of diabetes are Type 1 diabetes (beta-cell destruction), which is an idiopathic and autoimmune disease, and Type 2 diabetes, which is characterized by insulin resistance and insulin hyposecretion (Holt, 2010). Type 1 diabetes occurs as a result of beta-cell destruction and mild insulin resistance. Insulin is required for survival after the patient survives the initial stages of the disease. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance with relative insulin deficiency. Type 2 diabetes is the dominant form of the disease around the world (T. Metcalf & G. Metcalf, 2008). Diabetes is particularly quite prevalent in the United States of America. According to the 2000 US Census, there are 37.4 million African American individuals in America which constitute approximately 12.3% of the total population. In African American children, the rates of Type 1 diabetes are lower compared to American children. The African American population has an incidence rate of 5 to 8 per 100,000 per annum. On the other hand, the incidence rate of diabetes in white population is 14 to 17 per 100,000 per year. (Joslin & Kahn, 2006).The different proportions of racial admixture, particularly with the white populations, might be the reason for the distinct incidence rates among the black population. A significant role is played by genetic