Diabetes Risk Factors

Anything that raises your likelihood of contracting a specific illness, like diabetes, is referred to as a “risk factor.” It can be helpful to keep in mind that risk variables are associated but not always causative. Stated differently, the likelihood of developing Type 1 diabetes is correlated with geographic location; the further one lives from the equator, the higher their chance of developing the disease. Living far north of the equator, such in Canada, does not, however, develop T1D.

Additionally, there’s a distinction between potential and known risk factors. In the scientific and medical sectors, there is a considerable lot of certainty and a substantial quantity of data supporting the known factors. The data and certainty around the potential risk factors are not as strong as they are now, but they should get stronger soon when long-term studies are finished or after the evidence is reviewed and a consensus is formed among experts. Determining the risk factor may also be complicated by the presence of unknown and other potential risk variables, among other impacts.

Type 1 Diabetes Risk Factors (T1D)

For T1D, there are a few recognized risk factors. Among them are: [1]

An ancestor with T1D. This raises the risk because there are several genes associated with T1D that can be “handed down” from one generation to the next.
Origins genetic. Numerous genes have been identified as raising the risk of Type 1 Diabetes, as was previously discussed. Since multiple genetic mutations or changes contribute to the development of T1D, the condition is referred to as having a “polygenic risk.” Rather, the risk for type 1 diabetes is influenced by numerous (poly) genes.

Geographical or local. The highest incidence of Type 1 Diabetes is seen in Sardinia and Finland; it is around 400 times greater than that of Venezuela, a nation close to the equator.

Age. When diagnosing T1D, there are two peaks. Children between the ages of 10 and 14 experience the second, whereas the first occurs in those between the ages of 4 and 7. These two peak ages are more typical, while some children receive a diagnosis at an earlier age.

Among the potential risk factors are:

Viruses: T1D may develop as a result of exposure to several viruses, including the cytomegalovirus (CMV), the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the Coxsackie virus, and the mumps. The challenge resides in the fact that almost everyone has been exposed to some of these viruses, making it challenging to demonstrate that, for example, exposure to CMV contributed to the development of T1D.

Low vitamin D levels: After being exposed to sunshine, the skin produces vitamin D. The issue lies in the fact that skin cancer has been linked to sunlight exposure, despite everyone’s advice to wear sun protection. Vitamin D can be found in comparatively few natural dietary sources. Given that T1D is an autoimmune illness and that vitamin D is important for immune system development and function, bone health, and inflammatory processes, low levels of vitamin D may be linked to the condition.

Early exposure to foods that are frequently the cause of food sensitivities. A reaction of the immune system to food ingredients is known as food sensitivity. Though the term “food allergies” is frequently used to describe them, they are far more widespread than that. It seems that early exposure to the ingredients in wheat (gluten) and cow’s milk (casein) is linked to T1D. “Early” in this sense refers to less than four months of age. On the other hand, exposure that occurs later (after 7 months of age) has also been linked to a higher risk of T1D.

Water nitrates: Nitrates are compounds that are attached to other substances and include both nitrogen and oxygen. While not all nitrates or nitrites are toxic, bacteria in the body can convert nitrates to nitrites, and certain nitrites in particular are known to be hazardous. The level of nitrates in water is controlled in most places.

Maternal preeclampsia: High blood pressure and increased protein excretion are two characteristics of preeclampsia, a late pregnancy illness. Preeclamptic women have an increased risk of T1D in their offspring.

Neonatal jaundice: Generally speaking, infant jaundice is not a dangerous condition and may indicate some liver immaturity. It does, however, come with a higher risk of T1D.

Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors (T2D)

Compared to other types of diabetes, type 2 diabetes has a slightly different set of risk factors. These established risk factors include genetic (family) and environmental components in addition to lifestyle factors including diet and physical activity. These recognized danger indicators are:

Diabetes in the family history. Since diabetes is a polygenic illness, your risk of developing the disease might be influenced by several genes. On the other hand, your risk is raised if you have a family member with diabetes, such as a parent, grandparent, sibling, aunt, or uncle.

Carrying excess weight, particularly when stored around your abdomen, can be a health concern. A common way to assess healthy weight ranges is Body Mass Index (BMI). If your BMI is above 25, it’s generally considered overweight and may increase health risks. You can calculate your BMI through BMI calculator to determine your own BMI.

Bad eating habits (which have a direct connection to problems with weight). It seems that consuming manufactured foods with a lot of added sugar is mostly to blame for this.

Absence of exercise or physical activity (also linked to weight concerns)

Age: The risk increases with age. After 45, the risk rises.

Ethnic background: People with African, Asian, Native American, and Pacific Islander ancestry are more likely to develop Type 2 Diabetes in North America. Those who have recently moved from those regions are more vulnerable IF they adopt a diet similar to that of the West. In general, as a person’s diet and lifestyle grow increasingly “westernized,” persons in non-westernized nations are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

Other health issues. This includes high blood pressure, high blood triglycerides (blood lipid or blood fats), a history of gestational diabetes, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Furthermore, you have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes if you have prediabetes or impaired glucose tolerance.

Risk Factors for Diabetes during Gestation

Pregnancy-related diabetes, or gestational diabetes, shares many of the same risk factors as type 2 diabetes. In actuality, the diagnosis of T2D might come from gestational diabetes. The following are risk factors for gestational diabetes:

Over 25 years of age. A woman over the age of 25 who becomes pregnant has a higher chance of developing gestational diabetes.

Family History. You are more likely to develop gestational diabetes if a member of your immediate family has type 2 diabetes.

Personal History. Your risk is higher if you have gestational diabetes in previous pregnancies or prediabetes. You are also more vulnerable if you have previously given birth to a child who weighed more than nine pounds or experienced an inexplicable stillbirth.

Being overweight. Gestational diabetes is more common in women who are obese, or have a BMI of above 30.

Ethnic background. Compared to women from other ethnic backgrounds, women who identify as Asian, Native American, or African are more likely to develop gestational diabetes.

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the risk factors for T3D.

An increasing number of medical professionals and researchers believe that Alzheimer’s disease is essentially a type of diabetes that mostly affects the brain. Age is the biggest risk factor for AD. Among the other risk factors are:

Genetics: Up until now, the apolipoproteinE-e4 gene (APOE-e4) has been the most highly linked gene to AD. While APOE comes in three varieties, only APOE-e4 seems to be connected to AD. One gene is inherited by each person from each parent. Your risk of AD rises if you receive one copy of the APOE-e4 gene from one parent. Your risk increases if you receive the APOE-34 gene from both parents.

The genes encoding three distinct proteins—the amyloid precursor protein (APP), presenilin-1 (PS-1), and presenilin-2 (PS-2)—have also been linked to AD.

Head trauma: AD risk is increased by a history of head trauma.

Cardiovascular disease: Blood vessel diseases or conditions can raise your risk of developing AD. These include hypertension, diabetes, elevated triglyceride and cholesterol levels, and excessive blood pressure.

Ethnic background. People with African and Hispanic ancestry appear to be more susceptible to AD.

Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) Risk Factors

Since MODY is a monogenetic disease, inheriting a single gene that causes the condition increases your risk of developing the disease significantly. Genetics is the primary risk factor for MODY. There is only one known risk factor, which is the inheritance of a single gene.

Diabetes-related factors that you can and cannot control

For AD, T1D, T2D, and gestational diabetes, there are certain risk factors that you are unable to control. Age, heredity, and ethnic origin, for instance, are factors beyond of your control. Certain aspects are beyond your control; for example, whether your child or you are exposed to viruses. Subsequently, there exist diabetes risk variables that YOU have personal control over. Your weight is one of these, along with diet and exercise.

Nutrition

Additives are the dietary components most crucial for managing weight and diabetes. The majority of these additional sugars originate from refined, processed, and fast food.

Eating only whole foods, or those that are closest to their natural state and unprocessed, and avoiding processed, refined, or fast food as much as possible is the first step in reducing the dietary risk factors. This includes whole grains including brown rice, buckwheat, quinoa, millet, and wheat (apart from those who are gluten sensitive). Avoid wheat, barley, rye, triticale, and some oats if you do have a gluten sensitivity (unless they are made in a gluten-free facility).

Incorporate more fruits and veggies into your diet.

Eat less red meat and more fish and lean poultry (such as chicken, turkey, game hens, and game birds) in your diet. It’s acceptable to eat lean beef that has been grass-fed once or twice a week as grass-fed beef often contains proper omega-fat ratios. Elevated amounts of omega-6 fats are linked to inflammation, which can exacerbate or make managing diabetes more difficult and hinder weight reduction.

Include legumes and beans in the majority of your meals.

Incorporate seeds and nuts into a lot of your meals.

Steer clear of packaged, refined, processed, prepared, or quick food. These foods contain preservatives and added sugars, the effects of which are frequently unresearched. Steer clear of baked items, pastries, and candy.

Exercise

When it comes to movement and exercise, it’s crucial to keep in mind that everything can lead to more physical activity if you want it to. To enhance your physical activity level, you can engage in various physical activities such as walking, running, dancing, swimming, yoga, tai chi, team sports, solo sports, lawn mowing, gardening, jogging, hiking, cycling, using a rowing machine, and even household chores. Though occasionally, signing up for a gym membership can help you stay motivated, it doesn’t have to be there. The goal is to engage in enjoyable physical activity to enhance physical activity levels! For example, not everyone is cut out for aerobics.

If that’s not your thing, you might find swimming or dancing in a group more engaging. Park further away from the office or store and walk quickly to your destination to boost the amount of walking you do. Consider using the stairs at least partially in instead of the elevator! If you give it some thought, you’ll probably come up with a ton of ideas for getting more active. You will gain from increasing your degree of physical activity to any extent; the more, the better! Ascend gradually and gently at first, and don’t forget to stretch, warm up, and cool down.

Modifying your activity and food habits can have a big impact on diabetes prevention and management.

Risk Factors for Diabetes-Related Complications

Diabetes puts a person at risk for several major side effects: Use the Diabetes risk calculator to assess your risk. Most of these dangers are avoidable if you stick to your diet and exercise regimen and manage your blood sugar levels using diet, exercise, and prescription drugs. Among these difficulties are:

Both bacterial and fungal skin infections as well as skin illnesses including eruptive xanthomatosis, dermopathy, acanthosis nigricans, Diabetic Blisters (Bullosis Diabeticorum), Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum (NLD), and others. The best defense against them is to maintain strict control over your blood sugar levels through nutrition, exercise, and any recommended medication.

Diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma are among the eye conditions that might develop. Frequent and routine checkups along with blood sugar control through diet, exercise, and prescription medication are the best ways to avoid these issues.

Excessive blood sugar levels are thought to be the cause of nerve problems (neuropathy) because excessive blood sugar toxins nerves. Once more, the best defense against neuropathy is managing your blood sugar levels with food, exercise, and prescription drugs.

Calluses, skin infections, alterations to the skin, and foot ulcers are among the side effects of neuropathy. Because the neuropathy lessens the feeling of pain and temperature changes, people with diabetes frequently are unaware of these changes. These issues can be avoided by managing your blood sugar, exercising to support healthy blood circulation, and scheduling routine podiatric visits.

Increased blood sugar levels “tax” the kidneys and cause them to work harder, which leads to kidney problems and kidney disease (nephropathy).

The nutrition and exercise strategies listed above can help prevent or lessen high blood pressure and stroke. However, blood pressure may also need to be treated with medication; taking the right drugs can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke.

A diabetic coma and eventual death are possible outcomes of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a dangerous side effect of diabetes. It happens when your body produces a lot of a certain kind of material called ketones because it is burning fat instead of glucose to make energy. It can happen when diabetes is poorly managed, as well as when a diabetic becomes ill. Call your doctor, 911, or the emergency room (ER) as soon as you see any of the DKA warning signs. The following are DKA warning signs:

An extremely dry mouth or thirst

Recurring urination

Elevated blood sugar, or glucose

Eevated ketone levels in the urine

Later on, additional symptoms that may manifest are:

Feeling exhausted all the time

Skin that is flushed or dry

vomiting and nausea (Call your doctor if you vomit for longer than two hours.)

Ketoacidosis alone causes abdominal pain.

Breathing difficulties

A fruity smell when breathing

Being confused or having trouble focusing

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome, or HHNS, is more common in older adults with T1D or T2D. When HHNS patients have high blood sugar, this is typically due to insufficient insulin or inefficient insulin usage by the body. HHNS frequently results from another condition, frequently an infection. Increasing your efforts to check your blood sugar, particularly when you’re unwell, can help prevent HHNS. HHNS symptoms consist of: [7]

More than 600 mg/dl of blood sugar

An extremely parched and dry tongue

Excessive thirst

Warm skin without perspiration

Fever (higher than 101°F)

Tiredness

Perplexity

Eyesight loss or blurriness

Delusions

Weakness on the body’s left or right side

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