The scientists also directed an “Anti-Resistin antibody” to obese mice. An improvement of blood sugar and insulin action were hence resulted in the mice. Another experiment was conducted with standard-weight mice and the treatment with Resistin interfered with glucose tolerance and insulin action.
Experts say that if humans and mice are found to react correspondingly to levels of Resistin, these findings may later on provide the basis for new medications. However, there is caution as the case study is still preliminary. More research is needed to explain the function of Resistin.
Statistics reveal that from 1990 to 1998 there was a 33 percent increase in the overall incidence of Type Two Diabetes in the United States. There was a 70 percent increase in those aged 30 to 39, a 40 percent increase in those aged 40 to 49, and another 31 percent increase in those aged 50 to 59. Officials also reported a six percent increase in 1999 in the prevalence of Type Two Diabetes among American adults of all ages. This was observed of genders, all ethnic groups, and at all educational levels throughout the country. Along with these diabetes figures, the prevalence of obesity in the United States rose nearly six percent during the same study period. Jeffrey Koplan, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), stated in a press release, “With obesity on the rise, we can expect diabetes rates to increase sharply as a result.”
Given that the prevalence of both obesity and Type Two Diabetes is indeed increasing, the question now is should we be worried? It is said that should these dangerous trends continue at the current rates, health and medical costs in future years will be overwhelming. Diabetes takes an incredibly large toll on society, both socially and economically. It is one of the leading causes of death and disability in several countries, in particular the United States. Those with diabetes are at an enormous risk of medical complications. These include blindness, kidney failure, lower extremity amputation, and cardiovascular disease. These complications account for an estimated $98 billion annually in the United States alone. Researchers attribute the drastic increase of diabetes to sedentary lifestyle and poor nutrition; two factors that cause obesity rates to rise. Based on the points made, it is clear that something should be done.
It is more important than ever for people to examine lifestyle factors that can place them at risk for Type Two Diabetes. Frank Vinicor, director of the CDC’s diabetes program explains that, “maintaining healthy behavior such as controlling weight through nutrition and physical activity can help ease the burden of diabetes, and may actually prevent its onset.”
If I were a scientific advisor to the Ministry of Health, I would make recommendations. I would advise the department to administer campaigns and programs to promote public awareness of new discoveries and scientific evidence of the connection. These programs would also provide information regarding general weight loss, exercise tips, and maintaining healthier lifestyles. Promotions and advertisements would also help to encourage people. Obesity and Diabetes are both recognized diseases and it is vital that we help prevent them in anyway that we can.
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Bibliography
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“Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity: What’s the Connection?” Levine, S. Irene, RX Magazine. January 28th, 2005. Online. Available:
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“Weight Loss Matters – The Link Between Weight and Diabetes” Internet Articles. January 30th, 2005. Online. Available:
3.) “What Causes Type 2 Diabetes?” Mendosa, David. January 30th, 2005. Online. Available: http://www.mendosa.com/hormones_obesity_diabetes.htm