Exact causes of Diabetes are unclear to date. But genes contribute hugely to Diabetes (Type 1 and 2 Both). It is not 100% surety that one diabetes was passed to you by your parents or immediate family. but if they had the disease then you are 20 times more susceptible to getting diabetes. We have no control over whether we will fall sick with it. But we can take measures to prevent it.
Causes of Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease. Where your immune system attacks healthy cells. Here the body is unable to make insulin. Contrary to the earlier belief that all type 1 diabetics inherit the condition. Such is not the case. It is a genetic disease but not all type 1 diabetes patients get it from their family.
Signs of type 1 start to show from adolescence but one can get type 1 diabetes at any age. Genes and environmental conditions are the biggest causes of the same. It is seen in research that some races and ethnicities have higher rates of this type of diabetes. Caucasians have a higher risk of type 1 diabetes than any other race.
Causes of Type 2 Diabetes
In type 2 diabetes, the body is making the insulin but unable to burn it. Genes, lifestyle habits are the main causes of this type. This is easier to prevent and manage. With dietary restrictions, exercise one can manage this condition. If the patient developed diabetes despite being lean, then the sibling’s risk is about twice over. If both parents have type 2 diabetes, the sibling has a 50% chance of getting diabetes.
There is a form of type 2 diabetes called MODY (maturity-onset diabetes of the young) that typically develops in people in their teens and 20s. In the families with MODY. every generation and every family member is affected by Diabetes.
Researchers have identified about six genes that produce MODY, but they only account for diabetes in about one-third of the families. Diabetes in the rest of the families so far goes unexplained.
How can you manage your diabetes (if you got it from your parents)
Living with Diabetes is not an easy task. Your doctor will tell you about the strict lifestyle and dietary changes to keep your blood sugar levels in check.
Here are known factors that influence Diabetes and how to manage it
1. Size of your meals is important
Carbohydrates contribute largely to blood sugar levels. Especially when you are taking insulin injections. Knowing how many carbohydrates and the portion size of the meal you have taken marks your dosage. Having a well-balanced meal of starches, proteins, fats and fruits is advised.
Avoid sweetened drinks like juices and sodas. They should only be taken when the blood sugar levels are too low.
2. Exercise
Regular exercise makes your body use insulin in better ways. 30-minute exercise every day is a sweet spot. Make an exercise plan and follow it daily. The more strenuous your exercise the better you manage your insulin levels.
It’s important to know your blood sugar levels before – during – after the workout. Consult your doctor on what your blood sugar levels should be at these given points. So that you can manage them well.
If while doing the workout. You start feeling light-headed or shaky or irritable then report to your doctor.
3. Ill health
Sickness can spike sugar levels too. So you should have a plan for it. Ask your doctor for advice in such a situation beforehand. On how to take sickness-related medications, food intake and your diabetes medicine.
4. Alcohol intake
If you love your occasional drink then you do not have to swear off alcohol. Ask for your doctor’s permission if you are okay to enjoy your drink once in a while.
As we know alcohol and liver aren’t best friends. If the Liver is busy metabolising the alcohol you have taken then it won’t be able to manage the sugar levels of your body.
So choose your drink only after doctor’s permission.
Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2. Whether your doctor advises you medication or Insulin Pumps or both. With making informed changes to your exercise routine, food habits, lifestyle choices and balancing your medication with it. You can manage your diabetes like a champion.
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