Type 1 Diabetes

Having a risk factor for Type 1 diabetes increases the chances of getting a condition but does not always lead to the development of Type 1 diabetes. It is quite possible to develop type 1diabetes with or without the risk factors mentioned below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater are your chance of developing Type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is equally common among men and women, but it occurs more often in whites than in non-whites. The main risk factors include the following:

Family history
If you have a parent or sibling with the disease, you are at greater risk of having it, too. Scientists continue to believe that genetic factors play a very important role in the development of type 1 diabetes.

Birth and early childhood conditions
The risk factors for developing type 1 diabetes include:

1) Born to an older mother.
2) Born to a mother with preeclampsia during pregnancy.
3) Early introduction of formula to infants.

Autoimmune conditions
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease which is caused by the body's immune system attacking the cells of the pancreas. The pancreas produces the insulin. You may be at a greater risk of developing type 1 diabetes if you have another autoimmune condition, such as Hashimoto's disease, Grave's disease, Pernicious anemia and the like.

Ethnic background
Ethnic background also accounts for the development of the Type 1 diabetes. You are at an increased risk of developing Type 1 diabetes if you are of Northern European or Mediterranean ancestry.

Risk factors mentioned above put you at the greater risk of developing Type 1 diabetes. So, if you are with these risk factors, you are required to be on the guard, otherwise you will be diagnosed with the diabetes unknowingly.