Comparative Analysis of Diabetes in China and The United States-Based on Risky Factor, Complications and Quality of Life

Abstract

Of the two main types of diabetes, the most prevalent kind of diabetes is type 2 diabetes (T2D). In many of the world's countries with high diabetes rates and large populations, China and the United States are two nations that can be used as a point of reference when trying to find a solution to the diabetes problem. This paper analyzes the differences between China and the United States in terms of three aspects: risk factors, complications and the quality of life-related to this disease. Obesity is a risk factor that has a significant impact on diabetes in both the United States and in China, and smoking is also one of the risk factors which is more prominent in China. In terms of complications, the complications in the United States and China are almost the same, and the incidence is basically similar. The poor performance of pancreatic beta-cells and the disparity in treatment levels, however, are likely to blame for China's considerably greater prevalence of diabetic complications than the US. In China, the living quality of patients with any kind of diabetes depends more on the patient's economic status and education level, while in the United States, depends on cultural differences. Race is also an important factor affecting patients’ quality of life.