What is the cause of Diabetes is a popular topic these days. People hear statistics like one in three people will have Diabetes Mellitus by the year 2025 and they are fearful of contracting a disease that they know little about. Most people may be aware that Diabetes is related somehow to insulin and glucose levels, but do not understand the exact methodology.
When an individual consumes any piece of food, the digestive system (mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine) will break down the large food particles into smaller molecules with the help of acids and enzymes. From the digestive system, the smaller particles enter the pancreas where further enzymes work on the food. After the food is broken down into nutrients (carbohydrates-sugars and starches, fats, proteins, fibers, water and salts), they get absorbed into the bloodstream. Insulin, which is produced in the pancreas, is responsible for transporting glucose or sugar, out of the bloodstream and into the muscles, fat, and other tissues where it will be used as energy.
When the pancreas cannot produce insulin, they have no energy to live. These people require insulin from an external source in order to survive and are referred to as type 1 diabetic or insulin dependent. Other times, the pancreas may not produce enough insulin, or the available insulin cannot be absorbed by the body. These people are called type 2 diabetic or insulin resistant and they do not require insulin, only exercise and diet modification.The leading cause of Diabetes for type 1 is unknown, although doctors suspect it is due to a virus, infection, or vitamin deficiency, while cause of Diabetes type 2 is caused by poor lifestyle choices, such as being overweight, having high blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels. Reducing weight and points on these different ranges will help to prevent and to treat Diabetes.
What Can Diabetes Cause?
Some individuals are uncertain about what can Diabetes cause. As Diabetes is a systemic disease, there is a vicious cycle of Diabetes cause and effect. Risk factors for Diabetes can also encourage the progression of the disease and its complications. For example, people who have uncontrolled blood glucose levels, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol and lipid levels are more prone to developing Diabetes than individuals who have numbers in the normal ranges. Therefore, people who have Diabetes are also more likely to suffer from heart disease and stroke.
The longer a person has Diabetes, the more likely they have to endure other conditions, especially if he or she does not have their glucose levels under control. Diabetes can cause a host of conditions that can lead to numerous other symptoms. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease and kidney failure and 60% of all people who die from heart failure have Diabetes.As the disease can affect any nerve, organ, or tissue, people may notice problems with vision, bowels, urinary incontinence, and sexual dysfunction.
Can Sugar Cause Diabetes?
Many people wonder, “Can sugar cause Diabetes?” Eating an occasional pastry is not going to cause a person to develop Diabetes. Does sugar cause Diabetes in an individual who consumes nothing but pastries, soda, and alcohol? Over time, the individual who eats in this manner will probably develop type 2 Diabetes, especially if he or she has other risk factors.Likewise, can alcohol cause Diabetes if an individual drinks heavily over a long period? Again, every person is different, but having extended times when sugar levels are high, combined with risk factors increases a person’s chance of developing Diabetes.
