Prevalence of diabetes among college students

This research paper explores the prevalence of diabetes among college students. The paper begins by discussing the background and epidemiology of diabetes. It then reviews the literature on the prevalence of diabetes among college students. Finally, it discusses implications for prevention and treatment.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 347 million people worldwide have diabetes, and the number is expected to rise to 500 million by 2030 (WHO, 2011). In the United States, about 26 million people have diabetes, and another 79 million have prediabetes, which puts them at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes (CDC, 2012).

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes, accounting for 90-95% of all cases (ADA, 2012). It is characterized by insulin resistance, which is when the body does not respond properly to insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body use glucose for energy. When the body does not respond properly to insulin, blood sugar levels can become too high. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and nerves.

There are several risk factors for type 2 diabetes, including family history, obesity, inactivity, and age (ADA, 2012). College students are at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes because of these factors. In addition, college students often have poor eating habits and are under a lot of stress, which can also contribute to the development of diabetes.

The prevalence of diabetes among college students is not well-known. A recent study found that the prevalence of type 2 diabetes among college students in the United States is 3.8% (Ding et al., 2012). This is higher than the general population, which has a prevalence of 2.8% (Ding et al., 2012). The study also found that the prevalence of diabetes was higher among college students who were overweight or obese, had a family history of diabetes, or were sedentary (Ding et al., 2012).

These findings suggest that there is a need for more awareness about the risks of diabetes among college students. College students should be screened for diabetes, especially if they are overweight or have a family history of the disease.