Curated Paper 1- Ellie Herd

In first reading about the concept of Ayurveda, I researched the basics of the body. These include the dosha, dhatu, mala, and agni. These aspects of the body, plus the seven basic tissues create a matrix of the body. This matrix can fluctuate, and the different parts of the body can either grow or decay, causing an imbalance resulting in disease. These aspects of Ayurveda interact with each other and vary in dominance in different people. I have difficulty believing in the theory of these basics and their effect on human health, as they seem very similar to the ideas of horoscopes and chakras, both of which I believe have no substance. There is also little evidence to support their existence. However, I do not believe this discredits the idea of Ayurveda as a whole.

Ayurveda theory describes that disease is caused by an imbalance caused by poor eating, unhealthy habits, or not observing the rules of healthy living. Thus, ayurveda promotes health in a range of treatments. These include yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and a healthy diet including fruits, vegetables, and grains. I believe in this part of Ayurveda, and I think that practicing these treatments can help prevent illness and promote general happiness. Western medicine aligns with a lot of these practices as well, and most people know that quality food, as well as adequate exercise and rest, will contribute to overall good health.

Diabetes is an exceptional example of how an imbalance in the body can drastically affect its ability to function correctly. The concept of Ayurveda describes how balance in the body is important to its functioning, and how imbalance may cause disease and other disturbances. An imbalance in blood sugar regulation causes the whole disease, where one deficiency can create issues, which in turn can create additional problems.

The major hormones involved in diabetes are glucagon and insulin, both of which are produced by the pancreas. Glucagon stimulates glycogenolysis in the liver and initiates the breakdown of glycogen into its functional form, glucose. This raises the blood sugar content. Its opposition is known as insulin, which stimulates the formation of glycogen and lowers the blood sugar content. These competing hormones create a balancing act of homeostasis in the blood sugar, as too much or too little blood sugar can have adverse effects. The concept of Ayurveda is prevalent in this balancing act, and its importance is apparent.

Type 1 diabetes is a sudden onset of the disease. It can occur in anyone and may be linked to genetic or immune function factors. T1 is an autoimmune disease, caused by T-cells destroying insulin-producing cells. This causes the pancreas to cease all production of insulin, and blood sugar levels are left unregulated. Individuals with T1 diabetes must use synthetic insulin to regulate their blood sugars. 

Diabetes is more common in the form of Type 2, which is not caused by genetic or immune factors. T2 is mostly influenced by obesity or other health-related issues. Often known as adult-onset diabetes, T2 is more commonly seen in adults struggling with physical inactivity and diets containing high sugar. Hyperinsulinemia is linked to this form of diabetes, where insulin is overproduced just to keep blood sugar at healthy levels. This can cause insulin resistance to build and symptoms of diabetes to form. Type 2 diabetes can be treated and reversed through more nutritious diets and increased physical activity. 

The obesity epidemic that has been an issue in the USA for years now comes to mind. About 40% of adults in the US are obese, and the number is steadily rising. Societal changes are a big cause of this increase in obesity. Urbanization has had a huge impact on the diabetes rates of developed countries. Adults are working less physically demanding jobs, and working from home is becoming increasingly more common. Studies show that Americans are also cooking their food less, preferring to buy food from restaurants and fast food instead. These foods are often heavily processed and lack the nutrients found in more wholesome foods. Another issue arises from healthier foods being too expensive for low-income households. Unfortunately, all of these factor into a steady increase in Type 2 diabetes. Obesity is found to be linked to about 30% to 53% of new diabetes cases every year in the US.

The major culprit of diabetes is physical inactivity. The world is shifting into a place where exercise is brushed to the side to make way for other priorities, specifically in the USA. The major mode of transportation is via cars. The infrastructure of most American cities is centered around roads, highways, and parking lots. Many areas are not pedestrian-friendly, making it especially difficult for even short walking distances. This safety issue, plus the ease of driving results in much less walking. The absence of physical activity can lead to many more issues other than diabetes including high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, depression, and an increased risk of chronic diseases.

I believe that environmental factors can also play a role in the risk of diabetes. Studies show that Utah is one of the least obese states in America. Being near those who live active lifestyles can influence an individual to be active as well. I have noticed that regular exercise and active lifestyles are common in southern Utah, where I have lived my entire life. This could be one of the reasons I choose to live an active lifestyle as well. Culture and socioeconomic status can also factor into the degree of physical activity. Some cultures have religious or familial priorities that make it difficult to exercise daily. Other cultures may have a higher emphasis on sports, leading to higher levels of activity. 

It is clear that diabetes is a detrimental disease, and it is only on the rise. As if the physical and mental tolls of diabetes weren’t bad enough, the financial costs of the disease add even more problems to the mix. The individual costs of medical care can be extremely expensive. The average annual spending for an individual without diabetes is $13,493, while the annual spending for an individual with diabetes is $19,736. This doesn’t even include the costs of procedures that may be necessary when complications occur. End-stage renal disease, hyperglycemic events, and retinopathy are examples of some expensive medical procedures that are associated with diabetes. 

It is not only the individual who is affected by the costs of disease. Medicare expenses can be expensive for the government as well. The American Diabetes Association reports that the annual cost of diabetes in America is around 412.9 Billion. Diabetes accounts for 1 in 4 dollars spent on health care in the US. The burden is huge, and it is weighing down society. Businesses also struggle with the financial burden of diabetes, where employees may be absent or unable to be productive due to health issues. 

So what can be done? If diabetes rates are globally increasing and having profound negative effects on society, what can we do to prevent it? Of course, Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong and irreversible disease, so that part of it is impossible to prevent. Type 2, while it can be difficult to reverse, is possible to overcome. An individual can incorporate physical activity into their daily routine, even if it is just in small increments at a time. Taking the stairs instead of an elevator, taking a quick 10-minute walk, or even choosing to attend the gym once a week can be great starting points. Developing healthy eating habits can also be a great start. Avoiding fad diets and focusing on healthy balanced eating will have long-lasting positive effects.

While there are some things within the control of almost anyone, there are also some societal changes that can be made to help combat the disease. For example, fast food chains tend to be one of the cheapest food sources, so low-income households are more likely to frequent them. Unprocessed whole foods are generally much more expensive. So even if someone was going to make a change, it can be more difficult when money is tight. America is known for having poor food choices in general, so changes need to be made to allow for better American diets all around. 

I have learned that diabetes is a much larger problem than I had previously thought. I knew that the disease could be very harmful and that cases of Type 2 are increasing, but I was unaware of the extent of the matter. Studying all aspects of the disease has given me a better general understanding, and I believe that many others could benefit from knowing about these issues. I think creating more awareness about the disease, its symptoms, how to prevent it, and its financial costs could be beneficial. Educating at-risk people or communities could also help with awareness. Once awareness has spread, then maybe society could begin to make changes.