THE EXACT CAUSE OF MOST TYPES OF DIABETES IS UNKNOWN

In all cases, sugar builds up in the bloodstream. This is because the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes may be caused by a combination of genetic or environmental factors.

Diabetes is a condition that occurs when a person is unable to regulate their blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels. Typically, the pancreas produces a hormone called insulin that allows cells to absorb glucose from the blood. This allows the body to use the glucose for energy and keep the blood sugar levels within a healthy range.

However, many factors can result in either the pancreas not producing enough insulin or cells being unable to use insulin effectively. This can cause too much glucose to accumulate in the blood and lead to the development of diabetes.

The pancreas normally releases enough insulin depending on how much glucose is in the bloodstream. However, insulin is unable to properly regulate glucose in people with diabetes. This causes glucose to stay in the bloodstream so long that it becomes harmful to the body.

The reason insulin is unable to regulate glucose properly depends on the type of diabetes. The most common types are:

Prediabetes:  Prediabetes, or borderline diabetes, occurs before type 2 diabetes develops. By this stage, blood sugar, blood pressure, and insulin resistance may start reaching harmful levels.

Type 1 diabetes: The body cannot produce enough insulin because the immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It is unclear what causes type 1 diabetes to develop, and it may be due to genetic and environmental factors.

Type 2 diabetes: The body fails to use insulin effectively enough to regulate blood sugar levels. For example, some tissues become insulin resistant and require more insulin. Type 2 diabetes can occur due to several factors, including genetics, unhealthy weight, and physical inactivity.

Gestational diabetes: Pregnancy can cause hormonal changes that lead to insulin resistance. Genetics and lifestyle factors may also contribute to gestational diabetes.

PREVENTIONS

A person cannot prevent type 1 diabetes.

However, people can take some steps to help prevent type 2 diabetes. Some ways to help prevent type 2 diabetes include Trusted Source:

*Maintaining a moderate weight

*Eating a balanced diet low in added sugars, saturated fats, and processed foods

*Exercising regularly

*To reduce the risk of developing gestational diabetes, a person should maintain a moderate weight before becoming pregnant.

While these steps can help, it is important to note that people may still develop either type 2 or gestational diabetes.

HOW INSULIN PROBLEMS DEVELOP

Doctors do not know the exact causes of type 1 diabetes. However, insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes, has clearer causes.

Insulin allows the glucose from a person’s food to access the cells in their body to supply energy. Insulin resistance is usually a result of the following Trusted Source cycle:

A person has genes or an environment that make it more likely for them to be unable to produce enough insulin to cover how much glucose, or sugar, they eat.

The body tries to make extra insulin to process the excess blood sugar.

The pancreas cannot keep up with the increased demands, and the excess blood sugar starts to circulate in the blood, causing damage.

Over time, insulin becomes less effective at introducing glucose to cells, and blood sugar levels continue to rise.

With type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance takes place gradually. This is why doctors often recommend making lifestyle changes in an attempt to slow or reverse this cycle.

EXERCISE AND DIET TIPS

If a doctor diagnoses someone with diabetes, they will often Trusted Source recommend making lifestyle changes to support weight management and overall health.

A doctor may refer a person living with diabetes or prediabetes to a nutritionist. A specialist can help people living with diabetes lead an active, balanced lifestyle and manage the condition.

Steps a person can take to stay healthy with diabetes include:

Eating a diet high in fresh, nutritious foods, including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, low-fat dairy, and healthy fat sources, such as nuts.

Avoiding high-sugar foods that provide empty calories or calories that do not have other nutritional benefits, such as sweetened sodas, fried foods, and high-sugar desserts.

Refraining from drinking excessive amounts of alcohol or keeping intake to less than one drink a day for females or two drinks a day for males.

Engaging in at least 30 minutes of exercise per day on at least 5 days of the week, such as walking, aerobics, riding a bike, or swimming.

Recognizing signs of low blood sugar when exercising, including dizziness, confusion, weakness, and profuse sweating