Presenter: Fatima Faizi, College of Behavioral and Social Science, Health Society and Policy
Authors: Fatima Faizi, Man Hung
Faculty Advisor: Man Hung, School of Medicine, Department of Orthopaedics
Institution: University of Utah
Diabetes is a disease that affects people across the lifespan. From childhood to adulthood, one can be diagnosed with diabetes at any age and at any time in their life. There are two types of diabetes: type 1(T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). T1D is an autoimmune disease where one’s body does not create enough of any insulin. While T2D is when the body does not use the insulin correctly, or is blocked from using it. Some of the many signs of T1D include increased thirst, fatigue, blurred vision, and frequent urination. T1D can have a significant impact on a person’s lifestyle, as it requires frequent care and responsibility, in order to maximize control over the disease. This research is focused specifically on T1D. There are many factors that are associated with T1D such as sleep deprivation, high-fructose corn syrup, and caffeine. In order to minimize further health complications from T1D, it is important to clearly understand the factors affecting T1D.This study sought to review and synthesize the literature on factors that affect T1D. It was shown that high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) can create insulin resistance in a diabetics’ body, leading to extended periods of high blood sugar. Sleep deprivation can disturb a diabetics abilities to be alert to blood sugar shifts at night as well as affect brain function. Caffeine is present in many food items and drinks, and high consumption of it is common in today’s day and age. It is harmful for diabetics to consume excess amounts of caffeine as it has been shown to raise and in some cases lower blood sugar levels drastically. Overall, understanding the symptoms and factors of T1D can help improve the self-care of those with the disease and the health of the public in general.