05/18/2022
Causes and Risk Factors
Causes and Risk factors of Type 1 Diabetes
The exact cause of Type I Diabetes is unknown. In some people, genes may be responsible whilst in others, a virus could possibly set off the immune system attack where it can mistakenly attack the insulin producing beta cells of the pancreas.
Risk factors
Family history : Anyone with a family history of Type I Diabetes like a parent or sibling generally has a slightly increased risk of developing the disease.
Genetics : Having certain genes may increase the risk of developing Type II Diabetes.
Age : Although type 1 diabetes can occur at any age, it appears usually at two noticeable age peaks. The first peak occurs in children aged between 4 and 7 years whereas the second occurs in children aged between 10 and 14 years. Developing Type I Diabetes in later years is usually rare.
Causes and Risk factors of Prediabetes and Type II Diabetes
Type II Diabetes is usually caused by a combination of different factors. Having certain predispositions makes some individuals more prone to developing Type II Diabetes. They are:
Family History : Anyone with a family history of Type II Diabetes like a parent or sibling generally has a slightly increased risk of developing the disease.
Genetics
Age : 45 or older
Obesity
Metabolic syndrome : Cluster of different medical conditions such as elevated blood pressure, cholesterol, triglyceride levels, prediabetic and obesity.
Ethnicity : Asian , African American, Native American, Alaska Native, Hispanic, or Pacific Islander American
Gestational diabetes during pregnancy
Polycystic o***y syndrome (PCOS)
Depression or stress
Lack of physical activity
Smoking
Irregular sleeping and waking up schedule
Causes and Risk factors of Gestational Diabetes
Why some pregnant women develop Gestational Diabetes whilst others don’t is still at large unknown.
Risk factors include:
Excess weight and unhealthy lifestyle before pregnancy are attributed as definite contributing factors.
Family history of Diabetes
History of Gestational Diabetes during the previous pregnancy term
Having previously delivered an infant with a high birth weight
Personal history of PCOD or Prediabetes or both
Ethnicity: Asian , African American, Native American, Alaska Native, Hispanic, or Pacific Islander American
