Friday, October 2, 2009

Causes of Diabetes

By Jason Myers

Diabetes is a disease attributed to high levels of sugar in the blood. There are 2 categories of diabetes namely Type 1 and Type 2. The causes of Type 1 diabetes are unknown while there are different causes for Type 2. Insulin produced in the pancreas channels glucose from the bloodstream into the muscles, fat and liver cells to be utilized as fuel for the proper functioning of the body. Diabetes exists when our bodies suffer from insulin deficiency, are resistant to the insulin or in several cases, both of these causes.

Our genetic makeup plays a key role in the determination whether we are susceptible to diabetes Type 2 or not. If you have a parent, brother or sister with diabetes then your chances of also getting it are high. Diet is another major factor. Eating in excess level of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins will put you at risk of acquiring diabetes.

Obesity, particularly in in the case of minors, is another major contributor. Physicians discourage putting excessive weight whether you are an adult or a child.

Other identified culprits of diabetes include lack of exercise, age factors (those over 45years), emotional tension and smoking. The less activity you indulge in, the higher your chances of getting diabetes. Devoting most of your time sitting down is not healthy. Research has shown that those over the age of 45 years are more prone to develop this chronic disease. A busy and tight lifestyle will cause stress on you both physically and emotionally, and if not handled well will increase your rate of getting]acquiring diabetes.

Smokers face a greater risk because their unhealthy habit causes a lot of strain on the body making it vulnerable to many illnesses to include diabetes Type 2. Some viruses can also be a cause, especially those affecting the proper function of the pancreas, like Coxsackie B. - 14130

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