(Chronic Disease)
According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2023), six out of ten adults in the United States have at least one chronic disease, and about four in ten have two or more chronic diseases. Chronic diseases include cardiovascular conditions, cancers, diabetes mellitus, and Alzheimer’s. Diet is a lifestyle factor that affects the development of many chronic conditions and even some neurological diseases.
After studying Module 6: Lecture Materials & Resources https://stu.instructure.com/courses/34886/pages/module-6-lecture-materials-and-resources, read the case study and answer the following:
Lenora is a 57-year-old Jamaican American female who works as a desk clerk. Her job requires her to sit all day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., then she drives for one hour to go home. She lives alone in a studio apartment. By the time she gets home, she is tired and barely has time to pick up some fast food. She was recently diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes type 2. She is 5’ 5” tall and weighs 180 pounds with a BMI of 30.1. Her blood pressure was 150/105 and her HbA1C of 7.5%. The healthcare team starts Lenora on atenolol (Tenormin) for her hypertension and metformin (Glucophage) for her diabetes.
References: Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). About chronic diseases. https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/about/index.htm#risks
In paragraph form:
- Provide at least two (2) complications of uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes.
- Provide at least two (2) risk factors that may contribute to Lenora’s development of hypertension (see Appendix J: Body Mass Index (BMI) of your textbook)
- Describe what is HbA1C and how is it used to monitor diabetes? (see Chapter 20, page 564 of your textbook).
- Discuss what dietary counseling will Lenora need to control her hypertension and diabetes? Provide at least two (2) examples.
Managing Hypertension and Diabetes: A Case Study
Lenora, a 57-year-old Jamaican American female who works as a desk clerk, has recently been diagnosed with hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Her sedentary job, long commute, and fast food consumption are contributing factors to her health conditions. It is crucial to address and manage these conditions to prevent complications and improve Lenora's overall well-being.
Complications of Uncontrolled Hypertension and Diabetes:
Hypertension: Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to various complications, including:Increased risk of heart disease: High blood pressure puts strain on the heart, which can lead to conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, and heart failure.
Kidney damage: Persistently elevated blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to impaired kidney function or even kidney failure.
Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes can result in the following complications:Cardiovascular disease: High blood glucose levels over time can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.
Diabetic neuropathy: Nerve damage caused by diabetes can lead to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and feet.
Risk Factors for Hypertension Development:
Lenora's BMI of 30.1 indicates that she is overweight. The excess weight can contribute to the development of hypertension. Additionally, her sedentary lifestyle and prolonged sitting at work further increase her risk. Lack of physical activity and prolonged sitting are recognized risk factors for hypertension.
HbA1C and its Role in Monitoring Diabetes:
HbA1C, also known as glycated hemoglobin, is a measure of average blood glucose levels over the past two to three months. It provides an indication of long-term blood sugar control in individuals with diabetes. By measuring HbA1C, healthcare professionals can assess how well a patient's diabetes is managed and make adjustments to their treatment plan if needed. The target HbA1C level varies depending on individual circumstances but generally aims for levels below 7%.
Dietary Counseling for Controlling Hypertension and Diabetes:
Lenora will benefit from dietary counseling to control her hypertension and diabetes. Here are two examples of dietary recommendations that may be provided:
Heart-Healthy Diet: Lenora should adopt a heart-healthy eating plan that focuses on reducing sodium intake to manage her hypertension. This may involve limiting processed foods, fast food, and adding more fresh fruits and vegetables to her diet.
Carbohydrate Management: Since Lenora has type 2 diabetes, carbohydrate management is crucial for blood sugar control. She should be advised to choose complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, legumes, and vegetables over refined carbohydrates. Portion control and spacing out carbohydrate intake throughout the day can also help regulate blood sugar levels.
In conclusion,
uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes can lead to serious complications. Complications of uncontrolled hypertension include an increased risk of heart disease and kidney damage. For uncontrolled diabetes, complications can include cardiovascular disease and diabetic neuropathy. Risk factors contributing to Lenora's hypertension include her elevated BMI and sedentary lifestyle. HbA1C is a measure used to monitor long-term blood sugar control in individuals with diabetes. Dietary counseling for Lenora should focus on a heart-healthy diet to manage hypertension and carbohydrate management to control her diabetes. By addressing these factors through lifestyle modifications and appropriate medication management, Len