The exact causes of Type I diabetes and Type II diabetes are not truly known, there seem to be two common prerequisites. The obvious one is a genetic link. It is possible to inherit the tendency to developing diabetes. Secondly, it's possible for environmental triggers to bring on diabetes. Some studies are now researching the possibility that certain viruses can trigger the onset of Type 1 diabetes.
Risk factors for Type I diabetes are pretty much unknown. However, there are many risk factors for Type II diabetes that have been identified. Family history and genetics can play a part, but some of those can be turned around to either prevent or reverse Type II diabetes. What are the risk factors for Type II diabetes?The number one risk factor is obesity. It is estimated that nearly 60 million adults are obese according to The National Center for Health Statistics. The study conducted by the same organization states that an alarming number of children are also overweight. Since 1980, the number of obese children has tripled. Not surprisingly, the number of children being diagnosed with Type II diabetes has also risen.
Obesity and diabetes seem to go hand in hand. If you maintain a sedentary lifestyle and are clinically obese, glucose metabolism is compromised. Excess body fat makes it difficult for the body to properly process blood glucose into energy. In turn, excess blood sugar is stored by the body as fat. This cycle will continue on and on unless steps are taken to reduce weight and exercise regularly.
Eating poorly or the wrong foods will also contribute to obesity. Studies show that almost 90% of people with Type 2 diabetes are also clinically obese. Lack of adequate fiber in the diet and too much fat and simple carbs increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Genetics and family history also factor into your risk of developing Type II diabetes. If you have a parent or sibling with Type II diabetes, then your own chances of developing diabetes are increased twofold.
Age is a risk factor by virtue of the fact that as we grow older, the pancreas which controls insulin production grows older as well and becomes less efficient. Our cells also become less capable of processing blood glucose. As a result, with each passing year, the risk of Type II diabetes becomes higher. According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 50% of Type II diabetes occur in persons over 55 years of age.
High cholesterol and high blood pressure are two key elements that factor into developing Type II diabetes. The combination of both disorders is related to what is called Metabolic Syndrome, which simply stated, is a group of symptoms that include high blood pressure, high blood fats and central obesity (excess abdominal fat). This syndrome also includes insulin resistance, a precursor to developing diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes increases by up to 50 percent in women who have diabetes during pregnancy. Known as gestational diabetes mellitus or GDM, it places both mother and child at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes in later years.
Ethnicity also plays a large role in determining risk of developing Type II diabetes. Numerous studies have evidenced that African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are all at increased risk of developing Type II diabetes.
