Diabetes is a chronic condition that may occur if the pancreas cannot produce sufficient insulin or the body fails to use the insulin produced effectively. Insulin is the hormone responsible for regulating blood glucose. Hyperglycemia, or elevated blood glucose or sugar, is the typical result of a prolonged lack of control over diabetes. Over time, it can damage the body’s many systems, especially the blood vessels and nerves.
There are three main types of this condition – gestational, type 1, and type 2. Their symptoms typically depend on the level of your blood sugar. For those with type 2 or prediabetes, their signs and indicators may not even present themselves. However, those with type 1 tend to have quick and severe onset of symptoms. Diabetes can also manifest regardless of age, with the first type being more common in childhood and teens and the second for older people.
Some of the most common symptoms associated with the disease are recurrent feelings of thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, the existence of byproducts like ketones in your urine, fatigue, mood changes, blurry vision, slow-healing sores, and infections. And listed below are the risk factors for diabetes.
Family History
Genetic predisposition plays a critical role in the risk of developing diabetes. While it’s undoubtedly true that environmental factors may trigger its onset, the disease can still be passed down from parent to child. Thus, family history is always a risk factor to consider. In most type 1 cases, people usually inherit the disorder from both parents. Theories suggest that cold weather and viruses can then trigger its emergence.
On the other hand, type 2 has a much more vital link to lineage and family history as a cause than type 1, and the idea is supported by studies involving twins. Once again, it may also depend on factors in the environment. Lifestyle practices may also precipitate development. For example, obesity often runs in families. More often than not, families usually share similar exercising and dietary habits.
Those with family histories of diabetes may find it challenging to determine whether the condition has developed because of genetics or lifestyle factors. Fortunately, it’s possible to detect it early through routine screening exams and a blood test. Doing so presents the opportunity to prevent or delay the disease through weight loss, exercising, and healthy eating habits.
