How Do You Get Diabetes
With the increasing frequency of diabetes in the population, many people ask the question: How do you get diabetes? According to recent statistics, more than 23 million people in the United States suffer from diabetes and the number continues to grow.
In some cases the answer to the question – how do you get diabetes? – is still somewhat of a mystery. Genetics can play a role in predisposition to the condition and scientists have identified some contributing factors, but we are still learning about the causes of the illness.
Diabetes is not a contagious disease, so you cannot “catch it” like the common cold or the flu. There are three types of diabetes that must be understood when seeking the answer to the question: How do you get diabetes?
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes and juvenile diabetes, involves the body’s lack of ability to produce insulin. Children and teenagers usually have the disease although it is also present in adults. Hereditary factors are important in determining whether someone will develop this condition. If both a person’s parents have type 1 diabetes, they will have a less than 50 percent chance of developing it themselves.
If one identical twin develops type 1 diabetes, there is less than a 50 percent chance the other identical twin will also develop the condition.
Factors that can “trigger” type 1 diabetes include stress and viruses. The Coxsackie B infection appears to trigger the condition in some cases. About 20 percent of babies born with German measles develop type 1 diabetes. A weak or damaged immune system also appears to contribute to the chances of developing the illness.
Some studies suggest that certain chemical toxins can act as triggers for type 1 diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes
Genetics play a role in the chances that one will develop type II diabetes. For example, if one identical twin has the condition, there is a 95 percent chance the other twin will also develop type II diabetes. About 90 to 95 percent of all diabetes cases are type 2 diabetes.
People with this condition cannot produce enough insulin, or their body cells ignore the insulin. Some ethnic groups appear to have a greater susceptibility to developing type 2 diabetes including Latinos, African Americans, and Native Americans. However, this may be due to dietary or environmental factors. Studies suggest that obesity and lack of physical activity contribute to the probability that one will develop type 2 diabetes.
An obese person has more difficulty in producing insulin than someone in the proper weight range.
Gestational Diabetes
Pregnant women can develop gestational diabetes due to high blood sugar. After the birth, the blood sugar level will usually return to normal. About 20 to 50 percent of mothers who experience gestational diabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes after giving birth.
Pre-Diabetes
The condition known as pre-diabetes involves high blood sugar levels and it increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes Pre-diabetes rates have risen dramatically due to poor eating habits and lifestyle.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet and maintaining a regular exercise regimen can prevent development of type 2 diabetes and reverse pre-diabetes.
Implications of Diabetes
As you can see, the answer to the question, how do you get diabetes, will depend on the type of condition involved.
The symptoms of diabetes relate to high blood sugar levels that can cause damage to kidneys, eyes and the cardiovascular system. Symptoms can vary but often include frequent urination, fatigue, blurry vision, tingling or numb feet or hands, and wounds that are slow to heal.
Treating diabetes promptly is vital in order to prevent serious problems from developing including eye damage, heart disease, kidney failure, infections, damage to the toes and feet, and gum problems.
Diabetes Treatment
Treatment for diabetes involves keeping blood sugar levels normal through diet, exercise, maintaining proper weight and, in some cases, through insulin or oral medicine.
Since high blood sugar levels can damage other systems of the body, early treatment of diabetes is important. The diet should be low in fat, salt, and sugar. Whole grains are better than refined ones and you should avoid skipping meals.
Diet and exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight, which is especially important for those suffering from obesity. Staying within a proper weight range can also decrease the chances of developing high blood pressure and heart disease.
If you still are unable to control you diabetes, your doctor may recommend oral medicines or insulin. If you suspect you may have diabetes, always see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.