The concept of diabetes refers to a persistent medical condition that alters the processes through which the body utilizes energy from ingested food. It is characterized by hyperglycemia which can be a result of lack of insulin or improper utilisation of insulin by the body. There are three main forms of diabetes; Type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes, each with its specific etiologies. Nevertheless, most of the patients, 90-95 % of the population suffer from Type 2 diabetes. Knowing the most common triggers of diabetes helps people to minimize the risk and live better.
1. Insulin Resistance (Type 2 Diabetes)
The principal motivator of type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone manufactured in the pancreas, which permits glucose absorbed from food to be taken into cells for use as energy. Insulin resistant patients have such cells that tissues do not use insulin effectively resulting in excess glucose in the blood which in turn causes more insulin to be produced by the pancreas. As time progresses, the pancreas can no longer produce sufficient quantities of insulin to satisfy the body’s needs, leading to an uncontrolled rise in the blood sugar levels, and diabetes mellitus.
Principal Risk Factors for Insulin Resistance:
Obesity:
This is mainly the presence of excess body fat particularly around the waist area. It is one of the greatest risk factors of insulin resistance, as hormone and molecules synthesized by fat cells can easily disturb the insulin signaling mechanism.
Sedentary Lifestyle:
Physical inactivity weakens the body’s capacity to use insulin, leading to insulin resistance.
Genetics:
Ethnic background, family history and genetic predisposition are risk factors for the development of insulin resistance to certain ethnic groups, for instance, African Americans, Hispanics, and Native and Asian Americans.
Age
: The older, the more the chances of developing insulin resistance thus making Type 2 diabetes a common condition in aged individuals.
2. Autoimmune Destruction of Insulin-Producing Cells (Type 1 Diabetes)
Type 1 diabetes was known as juvenile diabetes until recently. The condition is associated with an autoimmune response that leads to the destruction of beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. As a consequence, almost no insulin is produced and persons with the disease must administer injections or wear a pump for insulin to survive.
Main Risk Factors for Type 1 Diabetes:
Genetics:
Given that type 1 diabetes has a family history, genetics influence the risk factor but the environmental trigger is unknown. Certain genes particularly those that enhance the immune system are prone to weaknesses.
Environmental Factors:
Type 1 diabetes can also be developed through viral infection or any environmental factor that act as a trigger such as a toxin in genetically vulnerable people.
3. Hormonal changes during pregnancy (Gestational Diabetes)
Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnancy as a result of the body’s inability to produce enough insulin to cover the increased levels of insulin resistance in pregnancy. The full mechanics of why this happens is not clear, but it is likely that changes in hormones are a significant factor. Although gestational diabetes resolves in most patients after delivery , it puts one at risk for type 2 diabetes in the future.
Primary Risk Factors for the Development of Gestational Diabetes:
Obesity or Overweight:
Overweight women at the onset of a pregnancy are predisposed to the development of gestational diabetes.
Age:
Women older than 25 years have an increased incidence.
Family History: If close relatives suffer from diabetes, the risk of gestational diabetes is increased.
Conclusion
The causes of diabetes are not the same in every type of diabetes. In Type 2 diabetes for instance, genetic predisposition remains a factor, but environmental influences, primarily obesity and poor physical activity, bring about insulin resistance as the principal etiology. Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) comprises autoimmune destruction of beta cells. Gestational diabetes is as a result of hormones produced during pregnancy. All types of diabetes have a genetic component but for diabetes type II, some lifestyle changes are essential. Therefore, diet, exercise and weight are the most important measures to be used in risk reduction against it.
