Find out ‘What Is The Main Cause Of Diabetes?’ Diabetes is a serious health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a chronic disease that affects the way the body processes sugar and is characterized by high blood sugar levels.
This can lead to a range of health problems if left untreated, including heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, blindness, and kidney disease. But what exactly causes diabetes?
In this article, we will explore the main causes of this disease and how to reduce your risk of developing it.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition where the body is unable to produce enough insulin or is unable to use insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates the amount of sugar in the blood. When the body is unable to produce enough insulin or is unable to use insulin effectively, sugar builds up in the blood and can lead to a range of health problems. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. This means that people with type 1 diabetes are unable to produce insulin and must take injections or use an insulin pump to manage their condition. Type 1 diabetes usually develops in childhood or early adulthood and accounts for around 10% of all cases of diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and is characterized by the body’s inability to use insulin effectively. This type of diabetes usually develops in adulthood and is often linked to lifestyle factors such as being overweight or obese, having a sedentary lifestyle, and eating an unhealthy diet.
Risk Factors For Type 2 Diabetes
There are several risk factors that can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, including:
- Being overweight or obese
- Having a sedentary lifestyle
- Eating an unhealthy diet
- Family history of diabetes
- Having high blood pressure
- Having high cholesterol levels
- Having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Having gestational diabetes during pregnancy
- Being of African, Caribbean, or South Asian descent
- Advancing age
How To Reduce Your Risk Of Developing Diabetes
There are several ways to reduce your risk of developing diabetes, including:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Exercising regularly
- Eating a healthy and balanced diet
- Quitting smoking
- Managing stress
- Getting enough sleep
- Drinking plenty of water
- Limiting your alcohol intake
- Getting regular health check-ups
- Taking medication if prescribed by your doctor
