Diabetes is a disease that affects the body’s natural ability to change carbohydrates and sugars into energy. There is no known cause for the onset of diabetes. However, there are certain factors that place a person at higher risk of contracting diabetes.

The risk factors of diabetes can include:

• A family history of diabetes
• Obesity
• Poor diet
• Physical inactivity

Different Types/Different Causes

There are three main types of diabetes – type-1, type-2, and gestational. Type-1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and most often affects children and young adults. An autoimmune disease is one in which the body’s ability to fight infections is decreased causing the body to attack its own cells. In type-1 diabetes, the body often attacks the beta cells in the pancreas – the cells that produce insulin in the body. The main diabetes causes of type-1 diabetes are:

• Infections with specific bacteria or viruses
• Food-borne chemical toxins
• Cows milk – an unidentified component in cow’s milk can trigger an autoimmune reaction in the body. Young infants who are given cow’s milk have a higher risk of contracting type-1 diabetes.

The main diabetes causes of type-2 diabetes are:

• Increasing age
• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Poor diet

The main diabetes causes of gestational diabetes are:

• Hormones produced during pregnancy blocking actions of insulin
• Mother’s body can’t produce enough insulin

Common Causes

There are some common diabetes causes that include genetic causes as well as environmental causes. The risk of diabetes is higher if there is a family history of diabetes. Environmental factors that can lead to the onset of diabetes include poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity, and stress. Diabetes is a disease that can be prevented – or controlled once a diagnosis has been made.

Prevention and Control

While the symptoms of diabetes are not life threatening, diabetes can lead to other more serious diseases and illnesses. People who have been diagnosed with diabetes are at a higher risk of diseases and illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, neuropathy and nerve damage, foot conditions, and blindness. It is extremely important to control your diabetes in order to avoid the onset of these more serious and sometimes life-threatening illnesses.
 
There are medications that can be used in the control of diabetes, as well as many natural remedies. However, the single most important aspect of a diabetic management plan is a healthy diet and exercise. A healthy diet should consist of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, carbohydrates in healthy portions, Omega-3 fatty acids, proteins in healthy portions, and fiber. A healthy diet not only helps your overall health, but also can be a major factor in offsetting the symptoms of diabetes. The longer you can prevent the symptoms of diabetes, the longer you can decrease the risks of more serious illnesses associated with diabetes.

A regular exercise routine is also an important factor in the prevention and management of diabetes. All parts of your body are designed to work together in order to sustain life. By keeping your muscles toned and your blood flowing correctly, you can help your body to fight off infections and your body will be able to help in managing the symptoms of many illnesses. Strong muscles in the abdomen are essential for helping your digestive system work normally.

A Long, Healthy Life