Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes in the Modern life

Diabetes has become a large public health problem in recent years and is affecting a diverse range of people across the world from young to old. It is now considered as a growing epidemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The number of people with diabetes has risen from 108 million in the 80’s to 422 million in 2014 (WHO 2018). The frequency amongst adults over 18 has risen from 4.7% to 8.5% Reduction in physical activity and overnutrition have caused huge transformations in lifestyles and has been an underwriting cause of chronic metabolic diseases. It can lead to elevated levels of blood glucose which in turns can cause damage to the heart and blood vessels. Approximately 1.6 million deaths were linked with diabetes, while 2.2 million were ascribed to high blood glucose in 2012. (WHO, 2018). WHO estimates that diabetes was the seventh leading cause of deaths in 2016. So diabetes can be seen as an important topic not only for now but going forward for future generations. It can be seen as relevant because if action is not taken now who knows what the consequences will be for future generations.

The topic is of interest to pharmaceutical science because it can lead to breakthrough ideas eg: new treatments which may help to reduce risks of getting diabetes in the future. It can also help to treat patients who suffer from diabetes. The pharmaceutical sector will also play large role in how new medicines/ treatments are developed and delivered to patients suffering from diabetes. The topic of diabetes will also be of interest to pharmaceutical science as new research goes into improving treatments. Diabetes will also be of interest to pharmaceutical science as it will a leader in driving both online and community based educational programs in order to raise awareness of diabetes and its impact.

How Do You Propose to Explore It Further

It is proposed to explore the topic in greater detail by exploring the differences that exist between both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In doing so it will involve looking at the various treatments that are available for each type and the diagnoses associated. With everything in life there are risks and especially with medication. Risk factors will need to be investigated, Eg: can people who have type 1 diabetes take medication for type 2? Is there a history in the family of having diabetes? It is planned to investigate what factors lead to a person getting diabetes: eg high sugar intake, inactivity, high cholesterol, long term affects. This topic will be of interest to the pharmaceutical industry as there are huge cost implications for healthcare and the amounts of years a patient lives as these are important for calculating the cost to healthcare/profit company can make. A review of current diagnostic, monitoring and pharmaco-treatment products approved for current use in Ireland/Eu/US/global will be undertaken. This will be carried out using clinical data base and peer reviewed literature using sites like Sciencedirect and Web of Science. Information will be gathered from organisations such as Diabetes Ireland/UK to help identify patient’s needs and concerns.

What Resources Might You Need

It would be proposed to explore the topic further by contacting Diabetes Ireland and seeking relevant and most current information about the chosen topic. It will involve researching in local libraries, IT Sligo library for recent publications on diabetes. Using online data bases like: Science direct, Diabetes UK/Ireland and World Health Organisation.