Essay New Biosciences/New Society:
Bio-Socio connections
Author: Juweriya Jamal Salah
Student number: i6245651
Course number: MGH4003
Number of words: 1613
Maastricht, 4 December 2020
, Introduction
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) has marked its territory in the 21st century and became one of
the most common non-communicable diseases in the world (Zimmet et al., 2014; WHO,
2020a). As a consequence of its relentless increase, the once known 'Cinderella disease' has
now turned into a global epidemic (Zimmet et al., 2014). In the past, T2D mostly affected the
economically affluent countries as it was known to be a 'western lifestyle' disease.
Paradoxically, it also became a threat to developing nations (Zimmet et al., 2014). Mexico for
instance is at the forefront of this epidemic as the disease poses to be among the most
common causes of death (Daniulaityte, 2004). Similarly, T2D became one of the leading
causes of poor health in Ukraine (World Bank Group, 2018). There is no doubt that the
traditional factors of T2D continue to have a prominent role in the development of the
disease. In fact, the etiology of T2D has proven to be a complex interplay between the bio-
physical environment. (Adeghate, 2001). However, these factors alone cannot explain the
increased manifestation of T2D, as the heavy burden is mostly felt by the socially
disadvantaged groups (Ginter & Simko, 2013). Rather, it is becoming more evident that the
social determinants of health need to be considered when attempting to improve this health
outcome (Silva et al. 2020). According to the World Health Organization, social determinants
of health refer to the 'conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age' (WHO,
2020b). To truly understand the root causes of T2D, it is necessary to investigate the
relationship between the bio-physical and socio-cultural environment (Figure 1). This essay
will therefore explore this major health challenge with a particular focus on the bio-socio
connections within the Mexican and Ukrainian populations.
Figure 1
Multifactoriality of health and diseases (Klabbers, 2020)
2
Bio-Socio connections
Author: Juweriya Jamal Salah
Student number: i6245651
Course number: MGH4003
Number of words: 1613
Maastricht, 4 December 2020
, Introduction
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) has marked its territory in the 21st century and became one of
the most common non-communicable diseases in the world (Zimmet et al., 2014; WHO,
2020a). As a consequence of its relentless increase, the once known 'Cinderella disease' has
now turned into a global epidemic (Zimmet et al., 2014). In the past, T2D mostly affected the
economically affluent countries as it was known to be a 'western lifestyle' disease.
Paradoxically, it also became a threat to developing nations (Zimmet et al., 2014). Mexico for
instance is at the forefront of this epidemic as the disease poses to be among the most
common causes of death (Daniulaityte, 2004). Similarly, T2D became one of the leading
causes of poor health in Ukraine (World Bank Group, 2018). There is no doubt that the
traditional factors of T2D continue to have a prominent role in the development of the
disease. In fact, the etiology of T2D has proven to be a complex interplay between the bio-
physical environment. (Adeghate, 2001). However, these factors alone cannot explain the
increased manifestation of T2D, as the heavy burden is mostly felt by the socially
disadvantaged groups (Ginter & Simko, 2013). Rather, it is becoming more evident that the
social determinants of health need to be considered when attempting to improve this health
outcome (Silva et al. 2020). According to the World Health Organization, social determinants
of health refer to the 'conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age' (WHO,
2020b). To truly understand the root causes of T2D, it is necessary to investigate the
relationship between the bio-physical and socio-cultural environment (Figure 1). This essay
will therefore explore this major health challenge with a particular focus on the bio-socio
connections within the Mexican and Ukrainian populations.
Figure 1
Multifactoriality of health and diseases (Klabbers, 2020)
2
