Diabetes risk factors - different diabetes risk factors?
It is very important to understand the diabetes risk factors. By knowing the diabetes risk factors you can have a better understanding of what can cause the disease. There are a few different diabetes risk factors and methods of prevention you can take. But it is first important to understand what causes diabetes and what exactly it is.
What is diabetes?
There are three main types of diabetes: Type 1, which is called insulin dependent, Type 2, adult onset, and Gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy. With all 3 types, there is one common link, the body is unable to make or use insulin. Your body needs insulin, a hormone, to be able to convert the blood glucose into energy. Without being able to do this the glucose then stores into the fat cells in your body and can cause damage to many vital organs over time.
What are the causes of diabetes?
Before we dive into the various diabetes risk factors, let’s take a look at the exact causes of diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune attack on the pancreas. The body looks at the pancreas as an invader and destroys the islet cells (Insulin-producing cells), which halts the body’s production of insulin.
Type 2 diabetes
In type 2 diabetes your body becomes resistant to the insulin that is being produced or doesn’t use it all together.
Gestational diabetes
During pregnancy, a mother’s body can become insulin resistant and need a little extra help producing insulin. The condition usually resolves itself after birth.
What are the different diabetes risk factors?
Type 1 diabetes risk factors
Type 1 diabetes usually starts during childhood, when the pancreas stops producing insulin. The different type 1 diabetes risk factors are:
Genetics and family history: Having a family member with type 1 diabetes puts you at a higher risk of developing the disease
Diseases of the pancreas: Different diseases of the pancreas can keep the pancreas from producing insulin.
Infection or Illness: Illnesses and infections can trigger the autoimmune attack on the pancreas.
Type 2 diabetes risk factors
Obesity: Being overweight puts you at greater risk of developing diabetes. It is important in avoiding this diabetes risk factor to exercise and become more active.
Prediabetes: A condition which is considered a mild form of diabetes that causes unusual blood glucose testing.
Insulin resistance: Type 2 diabetes usually starts when your body develops insulin resistance.
High Blood pressure: Is one of the biggest diabetes risk factors with type 2 diabetes.
Sedentary lifestyle: Being inactive puts you at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Family history: Having a parent or sibling with diabetes puts you at greater risk of developing it.
Age: Those over 45 are recommended to be screened for diabetes.
As you can see there are many different diabetes risk factors depending on which type you are looking at. It is important to remember that with preventative care and constant communication with your doctor you can help to get past all the diabetes risk factors.
