DIABETES CAUSES |
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Type 1 diabetes develops
when the beta cells in the pancreas cease functioning. This type of
diabetes generally appears very quickly, usually over days or weeks.
The cause of type 1 diabetes is not known, but both genes and
viruses play a part (antibodies caused by a prior infection destroy
the beta cell). Type 1 diabetes must be treated with insulin
injections.
Type 2 diabetes is
caused by a defect in the pancreas and a resistance by the body to
the action of insulin. People with type 2 diabetes often have high
blood sugar levels and high insulin levels initially but, in many
cases, the pancreas fails completely with time. The most important
factors leading to type 2 diabetes are:
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A
family history of diabetes (substantially increases risk of type
2 diabetes); |
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Being
overweight; |
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Aged
over 40; |
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A
sedentary lifestyle; |
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Women
who have previously had a large baby or have had diabetes in
pregnancy (gestational diabetes) are at higher risk of
developing diabetes in middle age. |
People with type 2
diabetes are also at risk of developing high blood pressure, high
cholesterol and high triglycerides, which puts them at increased
risk of heart disease. Other possible complications include kidney,
eye and nervous system disorders. Part of the routine care of
diabetes involves regularly checking for symptoms of these
complications. |
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| DIABETES RELATED ITEMS |
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