Diabetes is caused by a combination of hereditary genes and lifestyle. The following factors increase the risk of diabetes:
A family history of diabetes
Overweight or obesity
Lack of exercise
Belonging to a specific ethnic group. Blacks, Hispanics, American Indians, Pacific Islanders and Asians all have a higher risk factor than other ethnic groups.
Pregnant women who develop gestational diabetes and those giving birth to babies who weigh over nine pounds at birth.
Symptoms
People who have Type 2 diabetes can’t tell they have it without having a simple test to determine blood glucose levels. This is the reason that so many Type 2 diabetics are undiagnosed until complications arise. If blood glucose levels are extremely high, the sufferer may experience blurred vision, excessive thirst, headache, dry or itchy skin, or the urgent need to urinate frequently.
Type 1 diabetes is easier to identify by the sufferer. Symptoms include, but aren’t limited to, unexplainable rapid weight loss, constant ravenous hunger, unquenchable thirst, severe fatigue, urgent and frequent need to urinate and succumbing to coma.
Determining the Type of Diabetes
Once a blood test has determined a diagnosis of diabetes, the physician must consider certain factors to verify if it is Type 1 or Type 2. Most Type 1 diabetics are diagnosed before they reach the age of thirty. Type 2 diabetics were traditionally over the age of thirty when diagnosed and were overweight or obese. Today, children and teens are being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes due to lack of exercise and the junk food industry. An epidemic is sweeping the country and experts urge parents of children who are overweight to be alert for the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes.
Treatment
Diabetes is a chronic disease and therefore cannot be cured. However, both Type 1 and Type 2 can be treated effectively so blood glucose levels are kept close to the normal range and the body’s use of insulin can be improved.