What causes diabetes?
Diabetes, commonly known as sugar disease, is frequently encountered in our country and worldwide. Due to its negative impact on life expectancy and workforce productivity, and its statistically rapid increase, it was recognized as a global disease by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN) in 2006.
Many researchers say that both genetic and environmental factors play a role in answering the question "What causes diabetes?".
This disease, which affects more and more people today, is triggered by an unhealthy and sedentary lifestyle. Diabetes is a metabolic disease caused by high levels of glucose (sugar) circulating in the blood. Glucose is the energy source for all cells in our body. Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins from food are broken down into building blocks such as glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids in the intestines and then enter the circulatory system. For glucose to be used as an energy source, it needs to enter the cells from the circulatory system. The insulin hormone, secreted from the pancreas into the bloodstream, enables glucose to enter the cells from the blood. When insulin is not secreted from the pancreas, the entry of glucose into the cells is impaired, the glucose level in the blood increases, and diabetes develops.
Diabetes has two types: Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. These diseases require different treatments.
What causes Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is more common in individuals under 30 and is not related to lifestyle. Insulin problems present from birth are considered as type 1 diabetes.
Genetic factors play a significant role. However, a cause such as a viral infection can cause the pancreas's beta cells to be recognized as enemies and attacked. After a while, the pancreas becomes unable to produce insulin. Therefore, the most important problem in the development of diabetes is the pancreas.
People at higher risk of developing type 1 diabetes;
- Those with a first-degree relative with type 1 diabetes,
- Those who have a relative with type 2 diabetes,
- It is the development of diabetes during pregnancy.
What causes Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is more common and largely related to lifestyle. Furthermore, the likelihood of developing it is higher if someone in the family has type 2 diabetes. It occurs when the body does not use insulin effectively.
Anyone can be diagnosed with diabetes. However, those at higher risk include:;
- Having a family history of diabetes,
- Excess weight,
- Sedentary lifestyle,
- Stress,
- Advancing age,
- Gestational diabetes during pregnancy,
- Giving birth to a baby who is heavier than average.