The Increase of Type 1 Diabetes

The mean has changed.

This graph, “Estimation of primary care treatment costs and treatment efficacy for people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in the United Kingdom from 1997 to 2007", from Diabetes Magazine proves that, over the years, the average number of patients has increased. In just ten years, the number has more than doubled. Because of the apparent rise of people being affected, the government should provide more funding for diabetes research. This graph has helped me answer one of my original research questions, “should the government provide more funding for diabetes research versus other common diseases?”

"Estimation of primary care treatment costs and treatment efficacy for people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in the United Kingdom from 1997 to 2007." Diabetic Medicine, Aug. 2010, Vol. 27 Issue 8. EBSCO. Web. 27 Feb. 2012.


If you want to read the article/case study this chart origniated from, this is the citation. Copy and paste the URL.

Currie, C. J.Gale, E. A. M.Poole, C. D. "Estimation Of Primary Care Treatment Costs And Treatment Efficacy For People With Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes In The United Kingdom From 1997 To 2007." Diabetic Medicine 27.8 (2010): 938. Advanced Placement Source. Web. 11 May 2012. <http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=c7694c60-57d4-41c4-a6ff-2e1c3fd5fbde%40sessionmgr12&vid=5&hid=7>.

My Frist Five Broad Research Questions

These are my current top five research questions. My main goal in picking my topic was to gain more knowledge about this condition. In finding the answers to these questions, I hope to attain more understanding. These questions are subject to change as I learn more about type 1 diabetes.

Why is type 1 diabetes so prevalent in America’s society today?

Which age group does type 1 diabetes affect the most and why does it affect these groups more than the others?

Should the government provide more funding for diabetes research versus other common diseases?

How could the government develop a more cost efficient way to treat type 1 diabetes?

If more and more individuals became affected by type 1 diabetes, how would this affect the economy?

My Inspiration

When I heard that I was going to become the proud aunt of fraternal twins, I was ecstatic. The first time I saw them, I instantly fell in love. Their names were Benjamin and Kaydence. During their first year of life, they both grew, but Ben grew at a much faster pace. Kaydence was still very small, but she seemed happy and healthy. Nine months after her birth, Kaydence was having trouble breathing. Once Kaydence was admitted into the hospital, the doctors diagnosed her with type 1 diabetes. Her blood sugar had risen to a life threatening level. Thankfully, she recovered with no unfixable damage.

I chose this topic because Kaydence is very dear to my heart. Ever since I was told about the condition, I have been wondering about why this had happened and what can be done now. I want to know how to reduce the future incidence of diabetes and to educate others on the steps we can take to combat the disease.

1. Kaydence. Personal photograph by Lysa Wade. 18 Jan 2012.