What causes diabetes mellitus is yet to be determined. It is still a mystery as to why some individuals suffer from diabetes mellitus and others do not. However, there are some predisposing factors or risk factors that must be taken into account while considering the causes of diabetes mellitus.
Predisposing factors associated with type 2 Diabetes mellitus are as follows:
Family History is one of the common risk factors for developing Diabetes mellitus
Genetic predisposition is one of the major risk factors in the development of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus is known to run in families. So if you have a family history of diabetes mellitus you need to be extra cautious in taking the necessary steps to delay the prevention of diabetes mellitus or in the management of diabetes mellitus.
With increasing age the risk of developing diabetes mellitus increases
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is more common in people over the age of 45. As one grows older the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus also increases. This does not mean that younger population will not be affected by this condition. It can affect anyone at any age.
Obesity is one of the major risk factors associated with diabetes mellitus
Today obesity is one of the leading health problems affecting millions of people. This is a result of the lifestyle changes that we have made. People do not prefer physical activity or exercise. They are more interested in a comfortable lifestyle. Also eating fast food and junk food without paying any attention to what you eat or drink overloads the body with extra calories. Drinking coffee and alcohol and the sugary fizzy drinks or energy drinks provide the body with empty calories without any actual nutrition. This also leads to storage of excessive fat in the body thereby making the person more susceptible to developing diabetes mellitus. The extra amount of fat in the body hinders the proper functioning of insulin in the body. Also the muscles and the tissues in the body become resistant to the insulin due to the extra fat in the body. This results in elevated blood glucose levels and the person starts developing diabetes mellitus. Learn how to make food that you enjoy and yet keep your diabetes in control.
Certain races are more prone to developing diabetes mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is common in certain races like Asians, Hispanics, African Americans, American Indians and Caucasians.
Diabetes mellitus is associated with emotional stress
Emotional stress also plays a significant role in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Anxiety, depression, major life changing events like the death of a close relative or even natural disasters, divorce, and financial burdens may lead to elevated blood glucose levels in the affected individual.
In a person already suffering from diabetes mellitus, increased stress is known to cause a rise in the blood glucose levels although the person is taking the necessary medications to control the blood glucose level. Hence it is important to lead a stress free life in order to prevent diabetes mellitus and manage it effectively in affected individuals.
Causes of Type 1 Diabetes mellitus
The exact cause of type 1 diabetes mellitus is not known. It is more common in children and young adults. It is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks its own immune system.
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