Question

Kay and Lucia are best friends and enjoy spending time together over the holidays decorating and preparing for visits by their extended family. Kay recently visited her physician for an annual check-up and received news that she was pre-diabetic and that she should monitor her calorie intake, especially with the holidays close at hand. Kay was troubled by the news but Lucia was even more so since she had been admonishing Kay for unhealthy eating and exercise habits for years. Lucia was also particularly distressed because she has worn an insulin pump since she was nine years old. Kay’s remark about the news was, “Well, Lucia, this is great, now I can be even more like you!” Using your knowledge of the endocrine system explain how Kay’s comment is correct but also how the types of diabetes they each have (or are at risk of having in Kay’s case) differ. What nutrition and exercise related habits might put Kay at increased risk for developing diabetes? How can healthcare providers help Kay reduce her risk of diabetes?