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by: JuliaHanf
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Word Count: 525

The causes of diabetes are complex and only partly understood. Complicating the picture even further is the fact that there are multiple types, each with its own risk factors. Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are the most common, encompassing about 97% or more of cases in the U.S. Each results from a combination of environmental and genetic influences.

Of those, Type 2 is far and away the most common, about 90% of cases.

A major factor in Type 2 is thought to be obesity. Obesity itself results from both lifestyle choices and genetic factors, so it is a good model for a cause of diabetes. Some individuals naturally shed weight more easily or put on pounds more quickly than others do, but lifestyle choices obviously play a distinct role in obesity.

Obesity and genetics are not the only factors for diabetes.

While diabetes that develops during pregnancy (gestational diabetes), ceases after delivery, it is a risk factor for developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. Nearly 40 % of women who have gestational diabetes will develop Type 2 diabetes, usually within ten years of the pregnancy in which the gestational diabetes occurred. Giving birth to a larger baby is another sign of high risk.

Genetics also influences glucose intolerance. It makes sense that glucose intolerance contributes to Type 2, since Type 2 is due to improper use of insulin, instead of insufficient insulin (Type1). Because glucose is the body's primary source of energy it is odd that this condition exists. Strange problems arise with genetic abnormalities.

Another risk factor of Type 2 diabetes is ethnicity. The reasons for this are not understood. Some Asians, as well as Africans, Latin Americans, and Aboriginals are at higher risk. One Canadian study found that these groups have from a risk level of 1.5 to 2 times higher than Caucasians. However, Caucasians are at greater risk for developing Type 1 diabetes than other groups are.

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is yet another risk factor. Blood pressure is influenced by genetic factors as well as exercise and diet. The correlation between high blood pressure and the development of diabetes is strong. High cholesterol levels also increase the risk. More than 40% of diabetics have high blood cholesterol levels.

The largest genetic risk factor is likely a family history of diabetes.

People who have a sibling or parent with Type 1 diabetes have as much a 20 times higher risk than average. The newborn of a parent with Type 1 has about a 1 in 25 chance of developing the disease if the mother is younger than 25 when she gives birth. The risk lowers to around the same as the general population if the mother is older than 25. If either parent developed diabetes before age 11, the newborn has about a 10% chance of developing the disease.

The genetic risk factors of contracting diabetes are still an active area of research. Fortunately, while in generations past there was nothing one could do to influence them, modern genetic treatments hold out promise of altering even these odds.

About the Author

Julia Hanf author of the book How To Play the Diabetes Diet Game and Win Through a real life crisis Julia figured out how to live diabetes free. Visit http://www.yourdiabetescure.com and learn more about your solution for diabetes.

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