Receiving a diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes may come as a shock. Typically, the first question is, “How did I get this?” Often, there is no clear answer, but multiple factors may be involved.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes occurs when your pancreas does not produce the hormone insulin or does not produce enough insulin to achieve its central purpose: regulating blood sugar in the cells to produce energy. There are several possible reasons, including:
- Exposure to viruses and other environmental factors
- An autoimmune reaction
- Genetics
Although type 1 diabetes is more common in children and teens and was once called “juvenile diabetes,” it can occur at any age. Without sufficient insulin, blood sugar builds in the cells and can lead to potentially serious symptoms and complications.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not effectively regulate sugar, causing too much glucose to enter the bloodstream. At the same time, cells in the muscle, fat, and liver become resistant to insulin, and the pancreas can’t produce enough of the hormone. Although the cause isn’t known, there are well-known risk factors:
- Being overweight or obese, especially if you have extra belly fat and are sedentary
- Genetics
- Unhealthy diet
Blood sugar levels can be controlled in the estimated one in 10 people living with type 2 diabetes. Complying with your treatment plan and working with your care team can help you avoid complications and maintain your health.
