Diabetes Details

Doctors don’t fully understand what the causes of Diabetes are. This disease can be debilitating, especially if not caught early or managed properly. It is important to understand what is known about diabetes and to take proper care of your health in order to prevent its onset, or to keep yourself from experiencing its negative effects if you have already been diagnosed. Below, you will find some causes of diabetes…

The largest group at risk for diabetes are those who have a history of it in their immediate families. Scientists don’t know exactly how genetics contributes to the disease, but they have demonstrated that there is a definite genetic link. People with a family history of diabetes are 25 -33 percent more likely to end up with it than those who do not have the disease in their family history.

This is especially true for juvenile diabetes. The children most at risk for diabetes have one or more parents who already has the disease, especially if the diabetic parent is the child’s mother. An additional risk factor is the onset of gestational diabetes in the mother while pregnant with the child. If the mother was diabetic prior to conception, the risk increases still further.

Scientists have not yet found a cure for diabetes or even an accurate way to predict who will have the disease. They are studying genetic factors in order to more effectively prevent the disease in the future. Current studies are also examining the question of whether low doses of diabetes medication can help prevent the disease in relatives of those who already suffer from it.

In any case, if your family history suggests you are prone to diabetes, don’t panic. The disease is not a death sentence and can be effectively controlled.Scientists are very interested in isolating other genetic factors leading to diabetes, but so far have not been successful. Nor has an absolute cure been found, though a combination of medication and diet changes can allow a diabetic person to lead a normal life.

In addition to studying genetics, scientists are currently examining the effect of diabetes medication on those at risk for the disease, especially immediate family members of those who already have diabetes. Equally important as genetics is the type of food a person eats. Diabetes is known to be the “disease of prosperity” because studies have shown a link between chronic overeating and the onset of the disease. Over the course of a lifetime, excessive amounts of sugar, fat, and protein appear to cause the body to become diabetic.

Excessive eating overworks the pancreas, the organ responsible for secreting insulin to keep blood sugar at tolerable levels. When the pancreas is overtaxed for years, it becomes paralyzed and ceases to produce insulin.. Interestingly, people in poor countries where overeating is very uncommon rarely contract diabetes.

Genetics and diet are the primary known causes of diabetes. You can’t do much about your genes, but if you follow a proper diet and exercise regularly you can lessen your risk of diabetes.

Outlook: Some diabetes statistics