Disease in the Spotlight: How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

POST #1: Disease in the Spotlight 

Hi Makani 

It is true that diabetes mellitus mainly affects the endocrine system. It is caused by either the overproduction or underproduction of inadequate insulin in the body. Insulin controls the blood sugar level by moving sugar from the blood to the cells. The cell uses sugar to produce energy ( Shivaswamy et al., 2016). Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition and exist as diabetes type 1 and diabetes type 2. The condition hinders the movement of sugar from the bloodstream hence resulting in the production of less energy; this causes a person to lose much weight and have a feeling of weariness. The most common diagnostic tool used in diagnosing diabetes is fasting plasma glucose (FGH). It measures the glucose level. 99mg/Dl indicates a normal glucose level, while a level higher than 126 mg /Dl indicates a person is a diabetic. 

Reference 

Shivaswamy, V., Boerner, B., & Larsen, J. (2016). Post-transplant diabetes mellitus: causes, treatment, and impact on outcomes. Endocrine Reviews, 37(1), 37-61. 

POST #2: Concepts 

Hi Zachary 

I fully agree with your post. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory illness. The diseases cause painful swelling on the lining of the joints, which ultimately leads to bone erosion and joint distortion. The diseases occur when the immune system accidentally destroys the body tissues ( Aletaha & Smolen, 2018). The glucocorticoid drug given to the patient helps the immune system to regulate the number of sugars and fats and fight the body's natural inflammation as well as assist in the production of white blood cells. The drug leads to water retention and swelling of the feet, hands, and ankles; hence Mr. Jefferson was suffering from the side effects of the drug, which can only be restored by lowering the dosage of glucocorticoids. 

Reference 

Aletaha, D., & Smolen, J. S. (2018). Diagnosis and management of rheumatoid arthritis : a review. Jama, 320(13), 1360-1372. 

POST #3: Reflection 

Hi Zachary 

It is correct that epilepsy was discovered by a great philosophy Hippocrates in 460 and 377 BC. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder well-known for causing seizures. It results from injuries, tumors, or infection in the brain. It can also be caused by stroke or congenital disabilities. The diseases usually permanent brain damage, weight gain, or even death ( Falco-Walter, 2018). Also, certain diseases medication leads to weight loss, and management of the condition is often a challenge. 

Reference 

Falco-Walter, J. J., Scheffer, I. E., & Fisher, R. S. (2018). The new definition and classification of seizures and epilepsy. Epilepsy research, 139, 73-79.