subject: Causes of Diabetes Everyone Should Be Aware Of [print this page] Causes of Diabetes Everyone Should Be Aware Of
You've probably heard it a hundred times; according to the American Diabetes Association, there are 23.6 million people in the United States who have diabetes. So you might be asking: what are the causes of diabetes?
The answer to that question depends on which type of diabetes you are referring to, because the causes of Type 1 diabetes are different from the causes of Type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 (previously known as juvenile diabetes) is usually diagnosed in young adults and children. The body does not produce insulin In Type 1 diabetes and insulin is necessary in the conversion of certain foods into energy. By learning to manage their condition, those with Type 1 diabetes can live long, happy, and healthy lives. Only 5-10% of people with diabetes have Type 1.
The majority of cases of diabetes are Type 2. Type 2 diabetes is a by-product of the body not producing the necessary amount of insulin, or the body cells ignoring the insulin all together.
Since Insulin is what allows the blood sugar to be utilized by the cells, it is crucial to the body's well being. Diabetes complications occur when the blood receives a buildup of glucose or blood sugar.
Environmental factors is one of the causes of diabetes. Did you know that with identical twins, with identical genes, when one twin gets Type 1 diabetes, the other gets the disease only about half the time? When one twin gets Type 2, the other's risk is only 3 in 4 at most.
One environmental factor that can trigger Type 1 diabetes is viruses. Early diet may also be a trigger. Type 1 is less common in those who were breastfed as babies, and those who were first given solid foods at later ages.
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy, usually about 28 weeks or later. This diagnosis does not mean you had diabetes before your pregnancy or that you will continue to have it after your baby is born. However, it is important to follow your doctor's advice about blood sugar levels during pregnancy.
Obesity is another big factor in diabetes. Even if you are not obese, losing 5-10 pounds will lower your chances for diabetes, or it will help you manage your diabetes if you have already been diagnosed.
Portion control and what you eat are major factors in helping you to lose weight. Many professionals recommend eating smaller meals and snacks throughout the day instead of having large meals.
