How Do You Get Diabetes?

            Diabetes is a disease that demands a lifestyle change, a demand to keep a healthy lifestyle complete with regular exercise in order for it to be manageable.  Otherwise, it would unleash irreversible complications that are dangerously fatal.  But what if you already are living healthy? What are the chances of you being diagnosed with Diabetes? How do you get Diabetes in the first place?

What Is Diabetes?

            Diabetes is a disease in which the sugar or glucose that is consumed can no longer be processed and stays in the blood. This is because the body no longer produces insulin or it is insufficient.  Insulin is produced in the pancreas. If your body has stopped making insulin, you have Type 1 Diabetes.  You have Type 2 Diabetes if there is insufficient insulin in your system.

What Are Type1 And Type 2 Diabetes And How Do You Get It?

            Both types of Diabetes are linked with genetics.  If there is a diabetic person in the family, you are likely to have diabetes as well.  It is believed that Type 1 Diabetes comes from purely genetic causes but how it is passed on or the identity of a single genetic factor is unknown.  Type 2 Diabetes is the more common type, but its causes are less understood. It is believed however be triggered by several factors working together.  So how do you get Diabetes exactly?  The fact is that the scientific community still has not figured it out. But the good news is that if diagnosed, they have figured out ways to manage it.

Risk Factors and How to Manage Diabetes

            Genetics and being overweight are main risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes.  Next to that is having high blood pressure, heart disease and if you are over 35. For women, if you had gestational diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome.  But do you get Diabetes even if you do not have family members who are Diabetic? The answer is yes, especially if you are over 35 and is obese.

If you have at least 4 of the risk factors, you should consider taking a Blood Glucose Level Test (BGL) and a further Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT).  Type 2 Diabetes is easier to manage if diagnosed at the early stages. 

Type 1 Diabetes is purely genetic and is managed by taking insulin shots but both types require a healthy eating habits and regular exercise. Specialized diabetic meal recipes, pre-prepared diabetic food and diabetic pills are also recommended by doctors for proper management of blood glucose levels.