What Causes Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition where your pancreas cannot produce enough insulin or your body cannot use the insulin that your pancreas makes. Insulin is a hormone that turns glucose, a form of sugar, into energy. When your body cannot naturally process glucose, your blood sugar levels increase.

Diabetes cases are rising across the globe. In 1980, 108 million people were diagnosed with diabetes, which increased to 422 million by 2014. Causes of diabetes vary by type, so it’s important to first learn about the different types of diabetes and then explore their causes.

Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes: Two Distinct Conditions

Before you can look at the root cause of diabetes, it is important to identify which type you are trying to treat. Between 5 and 10% of people who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 1. This is an autoimmune condition that can develop at any age. At present, no one knows how to prevent this disease.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body cannot use the insulin that it produces. Up to 95% of people who develop diabetes have type 2. While some people can be genetically predisposed to developing type 2 diabetes, this condition is often associated with lifestyle factors like obesity.

What Causes Type 1 Diabetes?

No one knows the exact cause of type 1 diabetes, because it is hard to identify what triggers the body to start attacking itself. Experts believe this autoimmune disease could be genetic or could be caused by exposure to certain viruses or environments.

If you have a family history of type 1 diabetes, you may want to consider DNA testing to see if you are likely to develop this condition. This will allow you to make healthy lifestyle choices now that could potentially prevent you from developing severe symptoms as you get older.

What Causes Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes, has several causes. Family history and genetics can play a role in whether you are likely to develop this condition; however, your lifestyle will also have a big impact on your type 2 diabetes risk.

People who are overweight or have a sedentary lifestyle are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. The CDC explains that someone who looks thin may be at risk of type 2 diabetes because of the visceral fat that surrounds their organs. Excessive visceral fat contributes to your type 2 diabetes risk while also potentially increasing your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Learning about type 2 diabetes before you receive a diagnosis can help you embrace a healthy lifestyle to potentially prevent it.

What Causes Gestational Diabetes?

Women who are pregnant are also at risk of developing gestational diabetes. Up to 10% of pregnant women will develop this condition, and the symptoms usually disappear after the delivery. Genetic factors determine whether you are likely to develop gestational diabetes, along with your lifestyle.

It's normal for women to gain weight during pregnancy and there are a lot more hormones in their bodies than when they aren't carrying a baby. These factors can affect the body's ability to produce insulin and turn glucose into energy effectively.

Nearly 50% of women who develop gestational diabetes will eventually develop Type 2 diabetes. Even if your gestational diabetes symptoms disappear after pregnancy, continue to watch for diabetes symptoms.

What Causes Prediabetes?

Prediabetes occurs when you have higher than average blood sugar levels but they aren't high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Prediabetes is essentially a warning that your body could develop type 2 diabetes in the future. Researchers believe more than one in three American adults, accounting for 84 million people, have prediabetes. More than 80% of people with prediabetes do not know they have it.

While genetics can play a role in your development of prediabetes, you are also more likely to develop this condition if you have excess body fat or a sedentary lifestyle.

Reducing Your Risk for Diabetes

If you are worried about the development of type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, or gestational diabetes, you can take steps to live a healthier life. Even if you have a diabetes diagnosis, these steps can help you better manage your symptoms.

Modify Your Diet

Your doctor can walk you through nutritional best practices so you can improve your diet and prevent diabetes. You will likely make several small changes that add up and improve your food consumption.

For example, you can significantly cut down on your sugar intake by reducing the amount of soda and juice you drink. Switching to water or unsweetened tea instead can have a big impact. Other dietary changes might include switching to whole grains, getting healthy fats from protein like fish, and limiting your intake of processed foods.

You can still eat delicious meals that are healthy and help you balance your blood sugar levels.

Get More Exercise

Regular exercise can reduce your risk of diabetes while improving your physical and mental health in multiple ways. The CDC recommends moving for at least 150 minutes a week, which can be spread across 20 to 25 minutes every day.

One of the best ways to get more exercise is to find something you love doing. Consider signing up for a Zumba class that gets your heart pumping while letting you dance through the workout. You can also go on walks with your friends or pets to connect with the nature around you. If you are looking for low-impact workouts that don't hurt your joints, consider biking or swimming.

The more you move your body, the easier it gets. Don't be afraid to start small with a 20-minute walk each day until you feel more confident.

Lose Excess Weight

Losing weight can have a significant impact on your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Research shows that losing 5-7% of your body weight can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 58%.

You can still enjoy some of your favorite foods while losing weight and managing your type 2 diabetes risks. Your main goal is to learn how to eat healthy portions. Excessive food consumption increases your caloric intake and causes you to gain weight. By managing your portions, you can eat the right amount for your needs and still enjoy some of your favorite treats. Taking small steps to modify your diet and get more exercise can also help with weight loss.

Diabetes doesn't have to control your life. You can make lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of prediabetes or manage your symptoms. Staying active and eating healthy can have a big impact on your diabetes risk and improve your health as a whole.

Disclaimer:

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.