Causes and Risk Factors for Each Type of Diabetes
While there are different types of diabetes, one thing people with diabetes have in common is trying to manage high blood sugar (glucose). Even with similar symptoms, the rate at which issues develop can vary. If you have a family history or start to show any signs of diabetes, you can get a blood test that measures A1C (glycated hemoglobin) levels to determine what type you have. Then you can focus on the appropriate treatment options available.
Causes and symptoms of Type 1 diabetes
Beta cells in the pancreas make insulin, a hormone that helps blood sugar generate energy. For some, their immune system destroys beta cells. Therefore, insulin can’t help transferring glucose into energy. This increases sugar levels in your blood and can eventually lead to Type 1 diabetes.
This type of diabetes is often diagnosed in children and young adults, but it can occur at any age. Children’s symptoms typically develop over a short period of time and can include:
- Frequent urination
- Unexplained weight loss
- Excessive thirst
These symptoms are less common in adults. For some, signs develop slower and may include:
- Fatigue
- Trouble breathing
- Sweet-smelling breath
- Fainting from dehydration
- Pain in your abdomen, nausea or vomiting
- Still feeling hungry after eating
- Frequent infections or sores that won’t heal
Genes and environmental factors, such as where people live and work, may affect the immune system and insulin levels. When there’s a hormone imbalance, fat is often used as an energy source instead of sugar. This process produces ketones which may lead to another condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). While DKA is more common in those with Type 1 diabetes, it can also occur in individuals with Type 2, especially if there are other risk factors.
Factors contributing to Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the condition. Like Type 1, it develops when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or has trouble using the hormone.
Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes can develop over several years. Many people may not even notice the signs until the condition is more advanced. This is when the following can occur:
- Pain, numbness or tingling in the feet or hands
- Chest pain
- Vision loss
The chances of developing Type 2 diabetes increase with the following factors:
- Genetics or family history
- Ages 35 or older (children and teens can develop Type 2 diabetes, but the risk increases with age)
- Endocrine disease
- Side effect of certain medications
- Low physical activity
- Overweight or obese
- Certain ethnicities show a greater risk: African American, Asian American, Hispanic, Latino or Pacific Islander
- Smoker or exposed to secondhand smoke
- Prediabetes (high blood sugar levels, but not enough for a Type 2 diagnosis)
- Gestational diabetes (develops during pregnancy or if you gave birth to a baby weighing nine pounds or more)
While you can’t change some of these risk factors, there are things you can do to help prevent Type 2 diabetes:
- Quit smoking
- Exercise
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Get enough sleep
Even if you do receive a diabetes diagnosis, you can help manage it with the right diet, exercise and lifestyle changes.
Living with diabetes
Once you’re diagnosed with diabetes, it’s important to pay close attention to your diet. Planning what, when and how much you eat or drink can help keep your blood glucose levels in check. When levels drop too low, it can result in hypoglycemia, which requires immediate medical attention.
Healthy meal plans may include whole grains, protein, nonstarchy vegetables and fruit. Foods high in sugar and carbohydrates have the most impact on your blood glucose level. The glycemic index (GI) measures how fast blood glucose increases after consuming carbs. For diabetics, meal planning may also require carbohydrate counting to keep track of how much you consume and balance with the amount of medication you take.
Some of the medications often prescribed for diabetes include insulin pens and pumps, pills and other injectables. Talk to your doctor about the different options available to treat your specific symptoms. Along with diet and exercise, you can find a solution that fits your lifestyle.
Source: National Institutes of Health