The Number One Cause Of Diabetes

One in 15 persons lives with Diabetes according to the World Health Organization. That’s approximately 462 million of us! In this article, you will learn about the number one cause of diabetes.

Have you been wondering about this health issue called Diabetes? Perhaps you have a relative, friend; a colleague at work or you are managing the condition? This piece is just what you need.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes, is one of the most common conditions in many parts of the world and the numbers are growing, doctors have said.

Diabetes occurs when your blood glucose, or blood sugar, is too high. Blood glucose is the body’s primary source of energy and is derived from the food you eat.

Insulin, a hormone made by your pancreas, is often described as a key, which unlocks the cell to allow sugar to enter the cell and be used for energy. But sometimes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin or any at all. Other times, it just does not utilize insulin well.

What happens then is that glucose stays in your blood, and does not get to your cell; causing glucose to build up in the blood. This spikes your blood sugar levels. Having too much glucose in your blood can cause some pretty significant health problems.

There are several types of diabetes and they include type 1, type 2, gestational, and prediabetes.

While each type is distinct, they all share the same underlying issues with blood sugar. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are chronic conditions. Prediabetes is a precursor to chronic diabetes, and gestational diabetes often resolves on its own.

And What Happens If You Have It?

So, what can happen if your body is not able to properly use glucose to produce energy? The two main types of diabetes- type 1 and type 2- have similar warning signs.

Although, symptoms may be faster with type 1; showing up in a matter of days or weeks, and tend to be more severe. You might experience frequent urination, a sign that your kidneys are trying to expel excess sugar in your blood.

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Extreme thirst almost always accompanies frequent urination because your body becomes dehydrated from all the peeing. Also, a lack of fluid in your body can give you a dry mouth and itchy skin.

You might also feel increased hunger or have unexpected weight loss due to your body’s inability to get sufficient energy from the food you are eating.

High blood sugar levels, over time, can impact blood flow and cause nerve damage, which makes healing difficult.

Cuts or sores are another diabetes warning sign while frequent yeast infections for both men and women is another hallmark symptom of diabetes due to yeast feasting on excess sugar in the blood.

How Do I Know I Have Diabetes?

Symptoms vary from person to person, and also by how much your blood sugar is elevated.

Type 1 diabetes symptoms can start quickly, sometimes over just a few weeks.

With type 2 diabetes, symptoms often develop more slowly, over several years, and for some, it may be so mild that they are not noticeable.

Doctors also say that many people with type 2 diabetes actually have no symptoms, and only find out they have the disease when they develop diabetes-related health problems like increased thirst and urination or heart trouble.

Here are the Top Contributing Factors of Diabetes by Type:

Type 1 Diabetes:

This can occur at any age, in people of all races, shapes, and sizes, and accounts for 10% of all cases of diabetes.

It occurs most frequently in people of European descent. This type of diabetes occurs when your immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. Researchers believe that a combination of genetic and environmental factors, like certain common childhood viruses, can trigger the disease.

Type 2 diabetes:

It is the most common form of diabetes, affecting between 90 to 95% of people with the condition.

It is often preceded by a period of prediabetes when there is a greater opportunity to stop the progression of the disease.

Both lifestyle factors and genes play a role in the development of type 2. Family history of the condition is a contributory factor while inactivity, leading to overweight or obesity is also major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes.

Gestational diabetes:

This is a form of disease that develops during pregnancy and is brought on by hormonal changes, as well as genetic and lifestyle factors.

Hormones made by the placenta contribute to insulin resistance in the later trimesters; this happens to all women, but some cannot produce enough extra insulin to compensate and develop gestational diabetes. Being overweight or obese raises the risk of this condition.

What Then Is the NUMBER 1 Cause of Diabetes?

Doctors have said that sugar is not the cause of diabetes. However, high blood sugar is a symptom and not the cause of diabetes.

The number 1 cause of diabetes is your body’s inability to respond normally to insulin.

How to Prevent It

There are several contributing factors, some are within your control while others are not. In terms of the most common form of diabetes- type 2- you can do a lot to prevent the disease.

Be active:

An inactive lifestyle is now seen as a significant health risk. Commit your body to a good level of activity. Walk, dance, exercise; just make sure you move your body.

Eat well and eat right:

It is a popular saying that “you are what you eat.” A diet that is heavy on carbohydrate is more likely to spike your blood sugar. This is to say that you have to cut down on the consumption of bread, pasta, beer, rice, and potatoes.

Your diet should contain fruits and vegetables such as apple, cucumber, carrot, strawberry, orange, green leaves, and more.

Watch your weight:

If you are struggling with losing weight, see your doctor and ask for a referral to a nutritionist. Together, you can come up with a plan that you can live happily with.

Use Safe & Certified Health Supplements that support General Wellness:

Because we can never be fully in control of diet and lifestyle, and growing older comes with a weaker immune system, it’s important to embrace supplements that are rich in antioxidants. This will help in supporting the health and managing health issues effectively for those who have them. A recommendation is the Diabetes Lifestyle Pack which contains the RIDA range of herbal products which are rich in antioxidant properties, and thousands of people have been testifying to this.