Diabetes Basics
Who Is At Risk for Developing Diabetes?
Diabetes Mellitus Type I or Insulin Dependent Diabetes
Mellitus (IDDM) is a genetic disease. It appears that people with this
genetic pre-disposition develop an auto-immune disorder in which the
immune system attacks the beta cells within the pancreas that are
responsible for making insulin. The exact reason that the cells attack
is not known but certain viral infections such as mumps, congenital
rubella, and the coxsackie-virus have been shown to trigger the
autoimmune response. Only 10% of people have Diabetes Mellitus Type I.
Diabetes Mellitus Type II or Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes
Mellitus (NIDDM) occurs when there is a decreased ability of your body’s
cells to respond to the insulin produced by the pancreas; when there is
liver damage leading to poor control of glucose output by the liver; or
when decreased beta cell function leads to failure. Heredity plays a
major role in this type of diabetes, with an even higher rate of
incidence within family members than with DM Type I. 90% of diabetics
have Type II diabetes. Other risk factors that you cannot change are age
(greater than 45) and race (African-American, Hispanic, Native American
or Asian-American).
Risk factors for Type II diabetes that you
can do something about include obesity, lack of exercise and a diet high
in fats. Research has shown that weight reduction through diet changes
and exercise can actually prevent diabetes. A history of gestational
diabetes (high blood glucose levels during pregnancy), hypertension,
high cholesterol, triglyceride and lipid levels are also risk factors
that add an indirect risk to developing diabetes and lifestyle changes
should be made to help control these risks. Certain prescription drugs
such as steroids will also increase your risk of developing DM Type II.