High School

**CASE STUDY: JEMIMA**

Jemima seeks advice as her mother recently died from complications related to type 2 diabetes. Jemima is concerned about her own risk of developing diabetes.

**Mother’s Medical History:**
- Developed diabetes in her early 50s.
- Unable to control blood sugar levels.
- Was obese and led a sedentary lifestyle.
- Developed heart disease in her 60s, died at 65.

**Jemima’s Information:**
- Age: 35
- Blood Pressure: 125/84
- Height: 1.63 m
- Weight: 67 kg
- Quit smoking three years ago.
- Often eats takeaway up to five times a week due to a busy schedule.
- Has trouble sleeping, averaging around six hours per night.
- Rarely exercises.

**Tasks:**

1. **Explain the connection between diabetes and heart disease.**

2. **Identify Jemima’s risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes.**

3. **Blood Pressure Recommendations:**
- Based on Jemima's blood pressure, explain what you would recommend for maintaining healthy body function.

4. **Height and Weight Recommendations:**
- Use Jemima's height and weight to calculate BMI (use the BMI calculator at https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/bmi-calculator).
- Provide recommendations for maintaining a healthy body function based on BMI.

5. **Healthy Eating Tips:**
- List three tips for Jemima to improve her intake of healthy foods on busy days.

6. **Resource Compilation:**
- Find information from reputable sources to help Jemima maintain healthy body functioning. This should include:
- Information about diabetes.
- Tips for maintaining good blood pressure.
- Exercise recommendations (both passive and active).
- Guidance on healthy eating.
- Advice on improving sleep.

**End of Case Study**

Answer :

Final answer:

Type 2 diabetes is closely connected to heart disease. Jemima's risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes include family history, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and poor sleep. Jemima's blood pressure falls within the prehypertension range, and she should focus on a balanced diet and exercise. Jemima's weight falls within the normal range, but she should focus on maintaining a balanced diet, exercise, and strength-training.

Explanation:

Connection between diabetes and heart disease:

Type 2 diabetes and heart disease are closely connected. Individuals with type 2 diabetes often develop heart disease due to several factors. Insulin resistance, high blood glucose levels, and the presence of other risk factors like obesity and high blood pressure contribute to the development of heart disease in people with type 2 diabetes. The chronic high blood glucose levels can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries, leading to heart disease.

Jemima's risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes:

Jemima has several risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes: family history of diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and poor sleep. Her mother's history of diabetes and uncontrollable blood sugar levels increases Jemima's risk. Additionally, her obesity, lack of physical activity, and poor sleep habits further contribute to her risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.

Recommendations for healthy blood pressure:

Based on Jemima's blood pressure reading of 125/84, it falls within the prehypertension range. To maintain healthy blood pressure, Jemima should make lifestyle changes such as adopting a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, reducing sodium intake, maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption.

Recommendations for healthy weight:

Using Jemima's height of 1.63 m and weight of 67 kg with the BMI calculator, her BMI falls within the normal range. However, to promote healthy body function, Jemima should focus on maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and considering strength-training exercises to build muscle and improve overall body composition.

Three tips to improve healthy eating on busy days:

  1. Plan and prepare meals in advance to have healthier options readily available.
  2. Choose healthier takeaway options that include a variety of vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
  3. Schedule time for meals and snacks throughout the day to avoid skipping meals or relying on unhealthy snacks.

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