The Carding of Diabetes:
Ancient Musings
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Activity 1C
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Activity Description:
Students will be given a quote card at the beginning of the activity.
Using a library cart of selected references or a computer with Internet
access, students will find the location on a world map of major events
that occurred in the time period of their quote, and how their event
contributed to basic understanding of diabetes. Students will draw an
illustration of the event described on their card. Next, students read the
narrative on their card along with their research findings. The card and
illustration will then be attached to the correct location on a large world
map. Students may draw conclusions, discuss ideas, and raise questions
in regard to the observations made about diabetes.
Activity Background:
It is estimated that 20.8 million children and adults in the United States
have diabetes. While 14.6 million of these people know that they have
diabetes, up to 6.2 million may have diabetes and not know it. Close to
1.5 million people age 20 or older will be diagnosed with diabetes this
year (2005) (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2005).
Dr. Lee Sanders, Chief of Podiatry, Veteran’s Administration Medical
Center in Pennsylvania, captured everyone’s attention at a national
scientific session in 2002: “The incidence of diabetes has increased
dramatically, from an uncommon ailment during the period of antiquity
to a worldwide epidemic expected to affect 300 million people by the
year 2025” (Sanders, L., 2003). What has become clear is that the better
health choices one makes, the less likely diabetes will threaten his or
her quality of life.
LESSON 1
Positively Aging®/M.O.R.E.
2008©The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
ACTIVITY 1C
Bittersweet: A Study of Diabetes
Using a narrative, quote cards, and library research, students will be
able to:
N Paraphrase historical quotations into modern language.
N Illustrate historical quotations concerning diabetes research.
N Locate early diabetes research on a world map.
N Draw conclusions as to people’s thoughts on diabetes throughout
the ages.
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Activity Overview
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Activity Objectives:
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great thirst and frequent urination
loss of weight with increased hunger
feeling tired and irritable
skin and mouth develop infections and wounds heal slowly
blurry vision
Some people are at greater risk for developing diabetes. Individual
characteristics include being 45 or older, overweight, and physically
inactive. A person’s background may increase the likelihood of developing diabetes; one is at risk if he or she belongs to a family with diabetes
or ethnic groups including Hispanic American, Native American,
African-American, or Asian American.
Obviously, diagnosis and treatment of diabetes are critical, for this illness
affects every organ of the body. Diabetics are four times more likely to
develop heart disease or have a stroke than other Americans. Also, it is
the leading cause of new blindness and kidney disease in U.S adults.
Diabetics account for more than 60 percent of body part amputations
in the U.S., and many more have moderate to severe nerve damage.
Money spent on medical treatment and missed workdays, due to
diabetes and its complications, total an estimated $132 billion annually
in the United States. If Americans want to decrease this costly disease,
they need to make informed health choices and support diabetes
education initiatives.
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. (2005).
National Diabetes Fact Sheet:
General Information & National Estimates on Diabetes in the U.S.,
2005. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Sanders, Lee D.P.M. (2003) Preventing Diabetic Amputations.
US Medicine: The Voice of Federal Medicine
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LESSON 1
Positively Aging®/M.O.R.E.
2008©The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
ACTIVITY 1C
Bittersweet: A Study of Diabetes
People can get diabetes at any age. There are two basic types of diabetes,
Type 1 and Type 2. In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas fails to produce any
insulin. With Type 2 diabetes, insulin is produced, but not in large
enough quantities or it does not function properly to help glucose get
into the cells. Several symptoms may serve as diabetes warning signs.
These warning signs include:
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Activity Overview Continued
In the human body, food is converted into glucose for energy. The blood
carries glucose to all the cells of the body, but glucose needs a helper
protein to get into the cells. The helper, insulin, is a chemical made and
released by the pancreas. If not enough insulin is released or if the
insulin doesn’t work the way it should, glucose can’t get into the cells.
Glucose then stays in the blood, raising blood glucose levels and
eventually leading to diabetes.
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Activity Materials:
Sensitivity issues are involved in that many students have friends
or family with diabetes and it is important to explain that the
descriptions of diabetes in this activity were made in ancient times
when little or no treatment for diabetes was possible. The quality
of life for diabetics is MUCH better in modern times.
As each group is presenting, they may be in costume, and should step
into the spotlight, created as you or your designated helper shine a
flashlight on them during their presentation. They should read the part
of the Diabetes Narrative that is on their card and then pin or tape their
card onto the world map as they explain where and when their part of
the narrative occurred. They should continue by explaining what they
found during their research.
Modifications:
Special education and ESL students may profit by having help in
paraphrasing. Perhaps, only certain major words might be changed as
opposed to the whole sentence or clause.
Extension:
In small groups or as a class, students can create a flow chart or
concept map using quotes as well as events from the Diabetes Hunters,
Activity 1B.
Create a concept map or diabetes roadmap if time allows.
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LESSON 1
Positively Aging®/M.O.R.E.
2008©The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
ACTIVITY 1C
Bittersweet: A Study of Diabetes
Activity Management Suggestions:
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Activity Overview Continued
N Class set of cards (may be laminated for durability)
N A timeline constructed from masking tape where students may
arrange themselves in chronological order
N 1 copy Student Data Sheet per student
N Large World Map (May use a transparency of the world map
provided in the teacher pages of this activity)
N Flashlight
N Library cart and/or computer with Internet access
N Drawing paper
N Markers
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Activity References Used:
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American Diabetes Association. (1998, November 1).
Milestones in Diabetes Treatment. Diabetes Forecast, 76-80.
Sanders, Lee D.P.M. (2003) Preventing Diabetic Amputations.
US Medicine: The Voice of Federal Medicine
Sanders, L. J. DPM. (2002). From Thebes to Toronto and the 21st
Century: An Incredible Journey. Diabetes Spectrum, 15(1), 56-60.
Sanders, L. J. DPM. (2001). The Philatelic History of Diabetes: In Search
of a Cure. Alexandria: American Diabetes Association.
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LESSON 1
Positively Aging®/M.O.R.E.
2008©The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
ACTIVITY 1C
Bittersweet: A Study of Diabetes
Papaspyros, N. S. MD (1964). The History of Diabetes Mellitus, 2nd edition.
Stuttgart, Germany: Gerog Thieme Publishers.
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Activity Overview Continued
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. (2005).
National Diabetes Fact Sheet:
General Information & National Estimates on Diabetes in the U.S., 2005.
Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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