Nutrition Research Paper
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by higher than normal levels of blood sugar that occur as a result of inadequate production of insulin hormone or ineffective response of cells to insulin. Diabetes is a chronic lifestyle disease that develops gradually. There are multiple causes of this disorder. Unhealthy lifestyle practices and poor nutrition are some of the most common causes of diabetes. This paper discusses the different types of nutrients and the role of nutrition in the management of type 2 diabetes and hypertension in a 60-year-old African male who is obese.
Diet Identification and Analysis of Nutrients
The food we eat comprises of macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients are the three basic components of everyday diet required by the body in large quantities for the provision of energy to maintain body function and sustain life. They include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Carbohydrates are the major source of energy and make up about half of the total calories. One gram of carbohydrates provides four kilocalories. Excess carbohydrates are converted and stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles. When the carbohydrate intake is inadequate, the body opts for alternative sources for energy. Carbohydrates are manufactured by plants, and the main sources include grains and grain products, fruits, and tubers.
Proteins are made up of amino acids that serve as the building blocks of the body cells and tissues. While plant structures are mainly made up of carbohydrates, animal and human body structures are built on proteins. Different types of proteins serve different functions in the body. The diet is made up of complete and incomplete proteins. Complete proteins have all the required amino acids in the right proportions, while incomplete proteins contain some amino acids and lack some. The recommended protein intake is between 10-30% of the total calories. Proteins can be obtained from plant and animal sources, including beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, milk, and meat. Excess proteins are usually broken down and excreted via the kidneys. Therefore, it is important to ensure that protein requirements are met daily. Inadequate intake of proteins results in malnutrition.
Fats are a secondary source of energy during starvation or when the overall energy intake is inadequate. Fats serve other functions in the body, such as aiding the absorption of certain nutrients such as the fat-soluble vitamins, cell structure and function, insulation and cushioning of the vital organs. Fats are more energy-dense when compared to carbohydrates and proteins as they contain nine kilocalories per gram. This indicates that they should be consumed in moderation as they can contribute to obesity since the excess is stored in the adipose tissues. The recommended fat intake is about 34 percent of the total calories. Fats can be obtained from plant and animal sources such as nuts and seeds, milk and milk products, and meat.
Diet RDA Approval Analysis
Micronutrients are vital components of the diet that, although required in small amounts, play a key role in metabolism and maintenance of tissue function. Micronutrients comprise of vitamins and minerals. Adequate intake of micronutrients is key to sustaining health. However, excess intake of micronutrients can be harmful. Most of the micronutrient needs can be adequately addressed through dietary intake. Supplementation is only of clinical benefit when there is severe depletion.
Some of the key micronutrients include iron, calcium, zinc, vitamin A and K. Iron is important in relaying of oxygen to muscles. Deficiency of iron results in anemia, and it is a common disorder. Adults should take between 8-18 milligrams of iron per day. Calcium is important for the function and structure of the bones and teeth. The recommended daily adult intake for calcium is 2000-2500 milligrams. Zinc plays a key role in growth, immunity, and wound healing. The daily body requirements for zinc are 8-11 milligrams. Vitamin A is important in maintaining eye function, and the required intake is 700-900 micrograms per day. Vitamin K is important in the blood clotting process, and the body requires 90-120 micrograms per day. To address the issue of micronutrient deficiencies, policies require that most of the staple foods be fortified with these nutrients to meet daily requirements.
Disease Nutrition and Pathophysiology
The patient is a 60-year-old male who has type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Diet is important in the development of these two conditions. Types 2 diabetes manifests through elevated blood glucose levels. Carbohydrates are the greatest contributors to this scenario because when broken down, their simple form is glucose. Therefore, it is important that the patient strictly observes the intake of carbohydrates, increasing the consumption of whole-grain cereals, and unprocessed carbohydrates. In order to control the blood sugar levels, foods with a high glycemic load and low glycemic index are required. Fruits are also important sources of glucose, making portion control an important part of the daily diet. Fats and proteins can also serve as intermediate sources of glucose through metabolic pathways such as gluconeogenesis. For this reason, the patient should ensure that the overall nutrient intake is regulated to address the body’s needs and promote recovery. When the glucose from the diet is in excess, and the body cells are unable to respond to insulin, the blood sugar levels continue to rise, which may damage vital organs.
Disease Medical and Nutrient-Related Interventions and Dietary Needs
The patient in this case is on a drug regimen that includes metformin, metoprolol, and multivitamins. Metformin helps to lower the blood glucose levels by inhibiting the conversion of glycogen in the liver to glucose and increasing the sensitivity of cells to insulin. Therefore, the drug should be taken with meals to avoid hypoglycemia. Metoprolol is a medication used for the management of hypertension, and it help to lower blood cholesterol levels. Therefore, for this drug to work efficiently, the patient needs to regulate their intake of fats. The patient should, therefore, be on a low carbohydrate, low-fat diet to improve the prognosis of the disease conditions.
Patient Education/Care Plan Nutrient Calculations
The patient has a body mass index of 31.2 kg/m2, which indicates obesity. Obesity is a predisposing factor for diabetes and hypertension. Therefore, there is a need for the patient to engage in practices that promote weight loss, given that he has a sedentary lifestyle, and takes fast foods that are high in calories and low in nutrients. Using the Mifflin-St Jeor Equation, the basal metabolic rate of the patient is 1891 kilocalories per day. When this is computed against a sedentary lifestyle factor, the total daily energy requirements are 2428 kilocalories per day. The patient is required to lose weight, which brings down the energy intake to 1928 kilocalories. Using macronutrient ratio given by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), this patient’s diet should comprise of 45% carbohydrates, 30% proteins and 25% fats of the total calories to meet the recommended dietary allowances.
Patient Education/Care Plan SMART Goals and Patient Care Plan
The patient needs to adhere to the diet plan to prevent malnutrition, which predisposes him to chronic health conditions. He should also develop a consistent activity plan to help him lose excess body weight and maintain the healthy function of the vital body organs. He should avoid taking fast foods. His diet should comprise foods that provide both soluble and insoluble fiber as they are important in maintaining the integrity of the gastrointestinal tract and weight loss. Studies have shown that patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension often have a good prognosis when they lose weight.
Conclusion
Diabetes and hypertension are common lifestyle diseases whose management involves making positive changes to the overall lifestyle and adopting a healthy diet. Pharmacological management, on its own, is not as efficient as a multiple therapy approach. Therefore, the patient needs to integrate all the practices to attain a healthy lifestyle.