Your Life With Type II Diabetes: The Relationship Between Overall Health With and Without Diabetes Georgia Southern University 2014 Research Symposium Cory Brandt and Jessika Jackson, Health Education and Promotion [B.S.H.S.], Helen Bland, PhD Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University Abstract Methods Results The purpose of this study is to assess the behavior of patients with Type 2 Diabetes and their ability to maintain a healthy and unassisted lifestyle. Research has shown showed that adults, especially older adults, with T2D will live a less healthy and more assisted lifestyle. In the United States it’s estimated that 25.6 million adults have T2D and another 79 million are at beginning stages of T2D (Kanaya, Gregorich, & Grossman, 2012). There are numerous health behaviors that can affect the risk of having T2D (Basha & Sunnarao, 2012). The instrument used in this stufy was a 17-question behavioral questionnaire that was originally developed by the Stanford University School of Medicine (Stanford Patient Education Research Center, n.d.). This study employed 59 participants that were chosen by a non-probability, sample of convenience. Descriptive and inferential statistics were found using SPSS software and it reported means and significant differences. The study found that as a person ages that their overall health level decreases. If the participant had T2D, their level of overall health decreased . Data concluded that only 15.3% of participants followed a healthy diet. The study found that Gender (p=0.007), Race (p=0.006), and if the patient had T2D (p=0.000) were significantly impacted health status. In conclusion having T2D one’s overall health and overall lifestyle tends to decrease. The research method for the study was quantitative, descriptive, non-experimental (n= 59). Sampling methodology conducted in this research was non-probability, sample of convenience. The target population for this research was rural county residents 18 years and older. Validity was established for the instrument. Internal Consistency Reliability was determined by Cronbach Alpha of 0.686 Instrument Background As the fourth leading cause of disease related death worldwide, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus has had a major impact on the United States (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011). Over 180 million across the globe people are diagnosed with this chronic disease (Skelly, 2008). Diabetes is a slow developing chronic disease that causes high levels of sugar to be found in the blood (National Institutes of Health, 2012). If not controlled , it could lead to serious conditions like kidney disease, stroke, and heart disease (National Institutes of Health, 2012). Many of these complications can be prevented by adherence to self-care behaviors that include lifestyle changes, regular blood glucose monitoring, and adherence to recommended medication dosages (Brody, 2008). Conclusion/Recommendations Data concluded that having Type II Diabetes lowered your overall health status, the mean score of those with diabetes was 37.78, those without was 476.22 (p<0.05). Age also significantly impacted health status, 18-33 age group was a 45.20, and the mean score for the 82-97 age group was 36.33. In addition it was discovered that Blacks had a lower overall health with a score of 39.27, while whites had a mean score of 46.22 (p<0.05). A family history of diabetes did not impact health status. An aspect of the research was done on healthy diets. The data showed that only 15.30 % of people followed a healthy diet. Through the research, it was found that women had a lower overall health with a mean score of 41.05, whereas men had a score of 47.57. Health Educators should increase education and health programs in the community to broaden diabetes awareness and get members of the local population involved in diabetes maintenance and prevention. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can make significant health improvements. Knowing the risk factors of diabetes has well as your family history of the disease is an important preventative measure. Exercising, eating a healthy diet, and visiting your physician regularly, are essential to improving your overall quality of health, disease prevention, and disease maintenance. Participants Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the behavior of patients with chronic illnesses and their ability to maintain a healthy and unassisted lifestyle. Sub-purposes: To determine if age, gender or race affects the behavior of living a healthy lifestyle in order to maintain or prevent Type 2 diabetes, To determine if having Type 2 diabetes affects your ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and To explore if having a family history of diabetes affects the ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health: http://jphcoph.georgiasouthern.edu/