Part1

Hello class, it has been apparent for many years that there are various issues of concern within the realm of health care. Location of residence, gender, income level, residences, environment, age, race, and social norms, are all examples of social determinants of health.

They are all contributing factors to the quality of care received and health outcomes of individuals.

If a person cannot change their age, race or even income level, how might society ensure equal quality healthcare? Is this possible?

Part 2

The first issue that comes to mind that I would like to explore is what role does gender have in diabetes. From a sociology of medicine standpoint, the following questions are of interest:

• Does diabetes impact men or women more as a disease?

o Does the category of gender influence likelihood of the disease?

o Does the social category of gender influence a difference in treatment(s)?

• Does women on average earning less than men create an economic barrier to full treatment resources once afflicted with this medical model of an illness?

• Does the social category of gender influence either proclivity
If instead the perspective shifts to sociology in medicine, I feel the following questions would be needed:

• Do female specific issues such as pregnancy, hormonal birth control and menopause impact treatment and/or treatment options themselves? Gestational diabetes as an example is unique to women only.

• Is there more of a need to work with other departments to effectively administer treatment due to gender?

• Do insurance companies offer coverage equally for both genders in this gender non-specific disease? If not, what impact does this have on the treatment of the disease for women versus men?

• Are more out-patient or in-patient resources needed to treat female patients?

Given that diabetes is a chronic versus acute condition according to the Mayo Clinic, how we study such questions is of great importance.

It impacts both our medical institutions, caregivers and the ill for longer periods of time. And as indicated in our first readings, chronic illnesses have seen an increase in death over the years. Loss of health, life and the economic impact of treating a chronic conditions all have long-term implications.

Reference

Weitz, R. (2010). The sociology of health, illness, and healthcare: A critical approach. (6th ed.). Boston, MA.: Cengage.