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Causes of Sugar Diabetes

Sugar diabetes is a group of disorders characterized by high levels of blood sugar. Diabetes affects the body's ability to use blood sugar for energy. It is a serious, lifelong condition, and if not kept under control, it can lead to many types of complications. Sugar diabetes is also known as diabetes mellitus.

  1. The Facts

    • The causes of diabetes are not known. Genetics, environment and lifestyle factors are all believed to play a role in the development of diabetes. Symptoms include increased thirst, extreme hunger, frequent urination, fatigue and frequent infections.

    Risk Factors

    • Type 1 diabetes is a condition in which the immune system turns on itself. Attacks on the cells of the pancreas cause sugar to build up in the bloodstream. Family history is a risk factor in type 1 diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, the cells resist the action of the insulin. Obesity and lack of physical activity are two of the most common causes for developing this form of diabetes. The risk of type 2 diabetes increases after the age of 45. For unknown reasons, it is more common in Hispanic people.

    Significance

    • According to the American Diabetes Association, at least 20 million Americans have diabetes, which is more than 7 percent of the population. Almost one-fourth of those who have diabetes are unaware of the fact that they have it.

    Types

    • Type I diabetes affects between 5 and 10 percent of all diabetics. It is also called "child onset" diabetes, because it is appears most often in children or young adults, although it can be diagnosed at any age. It results from the body's failure to produce insulin. People with type 1 diabetes must have insulin provided by injection or pump. Type 2 diabetes results from insulin resistance. Most Americans diagnosed with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. Other types include gestational diabetes, which develops during pregnancy, and types that develop from specific genetic conditions. These conditions include pancreatic disease, surgery and medication.

    Prevention/Solution

    • According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, many people with type 2 diabetes can control their disease with a healthy diet and an exercise plan. It is important to lose excess weight and to take any medications prescribed.

    Warning

    • Uncontrolled diabetes can result in very serious complications, such as kidney disease, blindness, cardiovascular disease and possibly amputation of limbs. The risk of complications can be reduced by careful control of blood sugar.

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