Diabetes can strike anyone, from any walk of life. The World Health Organization estimates that by 2030, the number of people living with diabetes will more than double.  Today, diabetes takes more lives than AIDS and breast cancer combined!

Living with diabetes places an enormous emotional, physical and financial burden on the entire family. Let us explore some of the causes.

Causes in Detail –

The gene factor

Diabetes is believed to have a strong genetic link, meaning, that it tends to run in families. Several genes are being studied that may be related to the cause of diabetes.

Diet

Dietary factors are often viewed as a prominent contributor to diabetes.  Many times,incorrect assumptions are made that it is the only factor linked to the cause.

Research indicates that diet can play a part in diabetes.  Diet is still only one factor amongst many other contributing factors.  Typically,generalizations should not be made as it is always best to consideration all contributing factors.

Medication

Certain medications can sometimes have an impact on yourDiabetes. Which include:

• Corticosteroids
• Thiazides
• Beta-blockers
• Statins

It may sometimes be difficult to distinguish how much medications may raise the risk of diabetes in people that are already at risk and how much medications may have been the primary causal factor.

In cases where medication is thought to be the primary cause of diabetes, this is termed as drug induced diabetes.

Stress 

Stress causes a response from the body to release hormones including the natural steroid hormone cortisol. The stress hormones prepare the body for action by raising blood pressure, blood sugar levels and stiffening muscles but also temporarily suppress the immune system and the digestive process.

Persistently being stressed is referred to as chronic stress and this can have negative effects on health. Research indicates that there is a significant link between chronic stress and insulin resistance.

In February 2013, a Swedish study of 7,000 men showed a 45% increased risk of diabetes amongst those that were suffering chronic stress. (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/dme.12037/full)

Pollution, chemicals and plastics

Diabetes has been one of the fastest growing conditions over the course of the last century and researchers have been looking at what other factors could be contributing to the steep rise in incidence.

In recent years, research has been published which indicates that pollution and other chemicals which we commonly face in our daily lives might increase the risks of diabetes.

Amongst the chemicals and pollutants that have been linked with diabetes are traffic pollution and a type of chemical, found in plastics and some make up products, called phthalates.(http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/early/2017/10/20/dc16-2765.abstract, https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jasem/article/view/152706)

How to control Diabetes

Diabetes can be controlled. Healthy blood glucose (or blood sugar) control includes steps like following a balanced meal plan, engaging in an active lifestyle with sufficient physical activity, and taking blood glucose-lowering medications as you need them over the years. You might also require other medications to control your blood pressure and lipids (cholesterol), as directed by your clinician. Keepingtrack of your sugar levels is healthy. Try avoiding stress and tension. Furthermore, do you best to cut down on the consumption of all the sweets and junk food from your life.

*The author of this blog is not a medical professional and this article does not contain professional medical advice. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of the contents of this article. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.