What Causes Diabetes?Ever wanted to know what causes diabetes? Type 1 diabetes usually can be diagnosed in children and teens. This used to be called “juvenile diabetes.” It also can be diagnosed in people in there twenties. After age 30 it is much less common. In the US, 1 out of every 400 to 600 children and teens has type 1. The International Diabetes Federation (opens new window) estimates that worldwide, close to 430,000 children have this condition. Some of the potential causes of type 1 are: • Genetics – Type 1 is not inherited directly in the way some other diseases are; however, it seems to be related to genetic factors. People with a level one family member with type 1 are more likely to develop this disease than the general public. A level one family member would be a parent, brother, sister, or child. Yet no specific “diabetes gene” has been found. • Environment - One trigger for type 1 may be a virus, perhaps a common childhood virus such as a cold, flu, or diarrhea. One or more virus may be able to switch on the immune system. Instead of fighting the infection, the body attacks the pancreas with the same form of antibodies or immune cells. People with type 1 have antibodies that could be blamed for a type of autoimmune response. Some children with diabetes make a second type of antibodies, which can damage cells in the thyroid gland. If you have a child who recently being diagnosed with this disease, have a blood test to check for thyroid problems as well. • Other factors that causes diabetes (opens new window) may be a medical illness that is damaging enough to destroy most of the cells in the pancreas can lead to type 1. This is called Pancreatitis, which can result from alcohol abuse, gallstones, and high levels of triglyceride type cholesterol, certain drugs or traumatic injury. Type 2 diabetes occurs at any age. But in some high-risk groups, it can occur as early as childhood. In type 2, the body cannot produce enough insulin or the insulin secreted is unable to do its job properly. Regardless the reason, this causes a rise in blood sugar. Here are some factors that cause diabetes for type 2 patients: • Being overweight and a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to the onset of this disease • A high fat diet may be a possible risk factor • Type 2 is closely linked to lifestyle; about 80 percent of people with this type are overweight or obese • A long-term diet that has been high in carbohydrates • In some cases nutritional deficiencies causes diabetes • Having blood pressure readings commonly 140/90 or higher • Having blood glucose levels greater than 99 mg/dL • Having blood vessel problems that affect the heart, brain or legs These are some factors that causes diabetes but are not only limited to the above. Check with you doctor for other causes of this disease.
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