Is Diabetes Hereditary - What Causes Diabetes

Diabetes is rapidly becoming one of the most common diseases of the western world. Type 2 diabetes, which is more common than type 1 diabetes, is growing at epidemic rates and with serious complications such as heart disease, stroke and gout it has left researchers and doctors scrambling for answers as to what causes diabetes and how best to treat it.



One of the questions that needs to be answered first is; "is diabetes hereditary?" this will help researchers develop treatment programs that can help prevent or cure this killer disease. While researchers are still not clear as to what causes diabetes there are many factors they have identified that provide a common link in the diabetes question.



Whiles the predisposition to get diabetes is hereditary, there are a number of heredity factors and environmental conditions that will play into if someone develops diabetes. Diabetes is what is classified as an autoimmune disease, where our body sees part of the body as an invader and attacks it.



Autoimmune diseases do tend to run in families and where you see one autoimmune disease you are likely to find others. So while nobody in your family may have diabetes, if members of your family have other autoimmune diseases such as thyroid disease or rheumatoid arthritis, it is possible to also see diabetes show up.



Aside from asking if diabetes is hereditary; researchers are also looking at environmental factors, such as obesity, lack of activity and age. Diabetes most often shows up in people over the age of 45 who are obese, and do not get enough exercise. This leads one to think that despite heredity that type 2 diabetes can also be prevented by proper diet and maintaining a normal weight.



With more children being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at young ages, this is becoming more and more of a certainty. Children have become more sedentary and accustomed to a diet of processed, refined food and drinks leading to obesity and ultimately to diabetes.



Regardless of whether type 2 diabetes is hereditary or not, it is clear that it is both preventable and controllable maintaining a healthy weight and including a healthy diet and exercise into your life.

What Causes Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic illness; it is characterized by an inability of body to manage the blood sugar level. High-level of blood sugar is termed hyperglycemia. The level of sugar in the body is controlled with the help of a hormone "Insulin". The diabetic's body has the problems with the secretion as well as use of hormone insulin.



There are 3 main types of diabetes; each type obstructs with the hormone insulin released by pancreas in a different way.



Diabetes Type 1: Type 1 diabetes is also termed insulin dependent diabetes. It is also called juvenile diabetes as it is caught in childhood or in early teen years. In only rare cases a person could acquire diabetes type 1 in after mid 20's.



Though it is still unknown how a person catches diabetes however the causes of diabetes type 1 are very clear and there are few presumptions that work behind it.



This type of diabetes occurs because of an autoimmune disease. The body evades its own cells that were responsible for producing insulin considering they are bad for body. The destroyed cells are found in the pancreas and are called beta cells. The pancreas becomes unable to produce insulin as the cell responsible for producing insulin has been destroyed. Without insulin the body becomes unable to regulate the sugar consumed for producing energy. Insulin then has to be injected so the cells can process glucose for the production of energy.



Once caught this type of diabetes stays for life. It requires insulin injections for the whole life. It is thought that genes and environmental factors both are the contributors of this disease. It is believed the patient inherits the genes that tell the body to destroy the beta cells of the body. These inherited nasty genes when combined with poor diet and exercising habits; results in the onset of symptoms of type 1 diabetes. However conclusive studies are being conducted.



Type 2 Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is also called adult inset diabetes; this is a disease that occurs later in life. Type 2 diabetes is also termed adult onset diabetes. In this disease beta cells of the pancreas continue to do their work but the cells of the body do not respond to the provided insulin properly. This causes an increase in the level of glucose in the bloodstreams the insulin is unable to help this glucose enter the cells.



The reason of onset of diabetes is not yet clearly known however there are various theories that explain the cause of onset of diabetes type 2



It is generally believed that unhealthy lifestyle habits contribute to the onset of this disease. It is also seen that diabetes run in families; however losing extra weight, eating a balanced and healthy and incorporating daily exercising routine contributes in preventing the onset of this disease.

Understanding Diabetes Mellitus - Causes and Treatment

The incidence of diabetes mellitus is increasing in the US. People of all races and socioeconomic status can get it. It can be distressing for a person to be diagnosed with this condition, but fortunately there are a number of treatment options available for managing it. First of all, you need to understand the diabetes mellitus causes and triggers.



Diabetes mellitus is a medical condition that causes elevated blood glucose levels, also known as blood sugar levels. Blood glucose is normally kept in check through various hormones and chemicals in your system. The most important hormone in this regard is insulin, which is produced by your pancreas. The disorder can be triggered when there are problems in the pancreas and it stops producing the correct quantity of insulin, or uses it improperly. It can also be a result of your body developing a resistance to the effects of insulin.



Regardless, diabetes mellitus causes hyperglycemia, a condition which results in many of the more noticeable symptoms. These include excessive thirst, more frequent urination, rapid weight loss, blurred vision, fatigue and metabolic changes. The most severe outcomes include ketoacidosis, which leads to vomiting, nausea, and fainting; hypoglycemia; and the possibility of becoming comatose as a result of your blood glucose imbalance. It can also create long term health issues, such as an elevated risk of heart disease, renal failure, gangrene, damage to the retinas that can cause blindness, and nerve damage.



Fortunately, it's possible to effectively treat the condition using insulin that is injected into the bloodstream. Diabetics need to constantly monitor their blood glucose levels, which typically involves the use of a portable meter that tests a tiny drop of blood. If the reading indicates that your blood sugar levels need to be adjusted, you will then inject yourself with insulin to stabilize the situation.



Diabetes mellitus causes more than one form of the condition. Type 1 is a result of problems with the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, in which they stop producing the hormone properly. There is no way to safeguard against type 1. Indeed, many of the people who develop this condition are typically in good health.



Type 2 is quite different from type 1, and also more common. This disease is often the result of obesity, poor diet and insufficient exercise. The system starts to produce less insulin, and at the same time becomes more resistant to it. Symptoms are normally quite mild and the first line of treatment is to make changes to your lifestyle. Related to this is gestational diabetes, which sometimes develops in pregnant women and normally goes away right after the birth of the baby.



Understanding diabetes mellitus causes and treatments is essential to managing this condition effectively. It can be a very serious condition, and you must be sure not to take it lightly.

Diabetes - Symptoms, Cause, Treatment

Symptoms- Diabetes mellitus-Type-II: (maturity onset diabetes): Unusual thirst, frequent urination, general weakness, obesity, skin disorders, boils, blurred vision, and dry mouth.



Causes- Diabetes mellitus is the third largest killer in the US, and is caused by a defect in the production of insulin by the pancreas. Without insulin, the body cannot utilize glucose, which is an important blood sugar. A blood glucose level above 180mg percent causes excess sugar to spill over in the urine and make it sweet. Some people can develop diabetes mellitus as a result of stress, obesity, or pregnancy. Certain medicinal drugs can also cause it: oral contraceptives, adrenal corticosteroids, phenytoin, or thiazide diuretics. A diet high in sugar and white flour can lead to diabetes. Parasites (especially in children) can also do it. Hypothyroidism can also cause it.



It is of interest that people who eat much sugar eventually cannot taste it as well; so they pour on more sugar! But type II diabetes sufferer also lacks this sugar-tasting discernment. Leave off sugar, and learn to enjoy the natural flavors in your food. Because diabetic cannot utilize glucose for energy, they lose weight and are weakened by excess consumption of their protein and fat stores. Because of this, they may be very hungry and eat large amounts of food.



Treatment-There are eight laws of health to follow to obtain a healthier, happier lifestyle. Time to make a New Start!



1) Nutrition: The vegetarian diet is in the best way to lose weight and keep it off, improves health, decreases diseases, promotes longer life, and is more economical.



A. Stop eating sugar, white flour products, greasy food, meat, eggs, cheese, excess vegetable oil, as well as rancid nuts and seeds.



B. Vegetable broth and fresh fruit are nourishing. A high carbohydrate, high fiber diet will reduce the need for insulin. (a low fiber can bring on diabetes) A high fiber will also lower the amount of fat in the blood. Get your protein from vegetable source.



C. Onions and green beans appear to lower blood sugar. A diet in raw food is also helpful. One individual can drop his insulin dosage from 60 to 15 units per day by increasing his raw food intake.



D. Do not eat apples or bananas for they are high in sugar. Do not eat milk and sugar combinations. Coffee can induce very high blood sugar.



E. Eat your meals at regular times, and do not be in a rush to swallow your food. The quicker you eat the higher the blood sugar. Do not eat fruits and melons in large amounts.



F. Eat raw garlic everyday to reduce blood sugar.



G. Do not take large amounts of niacin (vitamin B3, B1 (thiamin), PABA (paraaminobenzoic acid, another B vitamin), or vitamin C. But do not take them in normal amounts. Huckleberry helps promote insulin production. Cedar berries help the pancreas. Other helpful herbs herbal include black walnut, Echinacea, burdock, buchu, dandelion root, uva ursi.



2) Exercise: Very important for physical and mental health. Exercise lowers the heart rate and blood pressure, controls appetite, burns up unwanted fat, increases circulation and oxygen intake, improves muscle tone.



A. Get enough exercise; it will improve circulation, which is always poor in diabetics. This will also lower blood sugar.



B. Exercise lowers LDL cholesterol levels in the blood and often raises HDL cholesterol, again decreasing heart and vascular risk.



C. Exercise strengthens bones by helping retain calcium and other minerals.



3) Water: Your blood is about 90% water and it carries nutrients to and from cells. The kidneys must have adequate water to filter out waste products. Many times common constipation, headaches, and backaches can be relieved simply by drinking water, which is a 6 to 8 ounce glass per day.



A. In case of hypoglycemia occurs, in an emergency, immediately drink juice, soft drinks, or anything else that contains sugar.



B. Most Americans drink more soft drinks and alcoholic beverages than water. These substitutes force the body to deal with calories and chemicals, and can disturb the process of digestion.



4) Sunshine: One of the most healing agents of Nature. Sunshine forms vitamin D in the skin, destroys bacteria and viruses, increases available white blood cells, lower blood pressure, and lowers cholesterol and fat levels in the blood.



A. Proper amounts of sunshine give the skin a healthy glow and helps make it smooth and pliable.



5) Temperance: Temperance (self control) is having a totally healthy and balanced life-style in every way. It includes the proper ratio of work and relaxation, time for God, right eating and right thinking.



A. Totally avoid tobacco, it restricts circulation, it will aggravate your condition.



B. Eat your meals at regular times. Do not eat late in the evening. Overeating can induce diabetes or increase it, once contracted.



C. Take good care of your feet, for they can become more easily infected than those of nondiabetics.



6) Air: We are greatly benefited by negative ions which occur in the fresh outdoor air. Breathe deeply of fresh air to increase quantities of oxygen.



A. Air is the breath of life. We are fully dependent on it for oxygen to operate the powerhouses in our cells.



B. Well-oxygenated cells are healthy and contribute to overall well-being. Diabetics have poor blood circulation. Oxygen is picked up in the lungs from the air we breathe, and delivered to our bodies via red blood cells. Anything dimishes oxygen supplies to the lungs, or its delivery to body cells, is detrimental.



7) Rest: Every cell in the body expends energy. Rest helps us re-supply these cells with the energy they need. Rest can be quiet physical relaxation or vigorous exercise after mental work.



8) Trust in God: God has given us the power of self-government, which is the freedom and ability to make decisions. We are unable to change our hearts, but we can choose to trust and obey God, and He promises to work in us to give us the desire and power to live in harmony with Him. Are you ready for a NEW START? If you are and willing to make changes, and are willing to let God take control, you and your family will receive blessings you never imagined.



A. The love of God toward the fallen race is fathomable. It is without parallel. This love led Him to give the ultimate sacrifice that rebellious man might be brought back into harmony with the government of Heaven.



References:



1. Health by Choice Not by Chance. Ludington, Aileen, MD and Diehl, Hans, DrHsc, MPH.



2. Natural Remedies Encyclopedia. Ferrell, Vance. Harvestime Books.1998

Treating Diabetes With Herbs

Diabetes is a condition when the body stops the production of insulin. A diabetic patient is dependent on the daily insulin intake. Insulin is the hormone that converts sugars into energy and a lack of insulin will result in the blood sugar levels shooting up. There is no solid proof regarding the causes of diabetes apart from the fact that it is considered to be hereditary. Obesity and lack of physical exercise and stress are also considered as causes for diabetes. Diabetes increases the risk of various infections, heart diseases and stroke.



Bitter gourd is an effective home remedy for diabetes. It is regarded as the best remedy for diabetes. Bitter gourd taken in any form is helpful in the treatment of diabetes and especially bittergourd juice in empty stomach is supposed to be more effective. Bittergourd cooked in ghee can be taken regularly for three months as an effective diabetes fighting diet. Gooseberry juice mixed with bittergourd juice taken regularly can also help the pancreas produce more insulin. Bael and gurmar leaves are also herbal remedies for diabetes. Fenugreek seeds can be added to foods and a tea of fenugreek can also be consumed to lower the sugar levels. Mix a bit of fenugreek powder with turmeric and pepper and have this powder with milk regularly. Turmeric is also effective in treating diabetes. Onions and garlic can keep the sugar levels under control. Neem leaves are beneficial for the body especially with regards to keeping disease causing microorganisms away; it is also good for diabetes patients.



A tea made of a few neem leaves and basil leaves can be taken regularly to regulate blood sugar levels. Green vegetables, soy, fish etc should be added liberally to the diet during the treatment of diabetes. A teaspoon of powdered cinnamon taken daily can regulate the blood sugar levels. Make a decoction of mango leaves in water and keep it overnight to be taken on empty stomach every morning. This is an effective remedy for diabetes. Curry leaves can be chewed in raw or made into chutneys to be consumed as a herbal remedy for diabetes. Gooseberry is beneficial for diabetes. Gooseberry juice mixed with lemon juice can be taken on stomach in the morning regularly to overcome diabetes.



Regular exercise and a structured diet is essential to control diabetes. Avoid red meat and excess salt in the diet. White bread, potatoes, rice, sugar and sugary foods can boost the carbohydrate and sugar levels and in the absence of sufficient insulin to convert them into energy, this will result in a high level of blood sugar. Smoking and drinking alcohol can also be detrimental to the health of a diabetic patient.

How Do People Get Diabetes? - What Causes Diabetes

Diabetes is characterized by the inability of the body to control the level of blood sugar. But how do people get diabetes and what causes diabetes are still two burning questions in the minds of the people. Scientists are still striving hard to find the answer of these question.



Diabetes is caused by the disruption of hormone insulin. There are mainly three types of diabetes. Each type causes the disruption of hormone insulin in different way.



Type 1 Diabetes is also termed as juvenile diabetes or insulin dependent diabetes. It is termed juvenile diabetes because normally it occurs in early childhood.



How do people get diabetes type 1 is still not clear; however there are some theories that work behind it.



Diabetes type 1 is termed an autoimmune disorder. This shows that body has the ability of destroying insulin producing cells. These cells are termed beta cells and are found in the islets cells that are found in pancreas. As insulin producing cell are destroyed; the blood sugar levels cannot be regulated by the body. Thus the insulin has to be injected to perform its role.



Type 2 Diabetes is also termed as adult onset diabetes. It is caused by the resistance towards insulin and generally occurs later in life. The beta cells of the pancreas produce insulin but the body needs more insulin than is secreted by the pancreas. This insufficiency of insulin lessens the control of the body on sugar level.



Again the answer of what causes diabetes type 2 is not clearly known. However it is believed that being overweight, leading a sedentary lifestyle and eating unhealthy foods contribute to the onset of this disease.



Gestational Diabetes is the temporary phase of uncontrolled blood sugar levels. This stage fades away after the completion of pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is an outcome of hormonal changes during pregnancy. The hereditary genes also play their role here.

Children With Diabetes - Causes, Symptoms and Management

Diabetes occurs in individuals of any age. More than 13,000 kids in the United States have type 1 diabetes. It is among the most common long term diseases in school age children. Obesity, lack of exercise and unhealthy eating habits are primarily the causes of the condition among children. Type 2 diabetes is not a common occurrence among school kids. In just over 20 years, incident rates among kids and teenagers have almost tripled.



1. The Causes Among Kids



Type 1 diabetes is described by the inability of the body to produce insulin. The condition was previously known as juvenile diabetes, since it is primarily found among young kids, although the problem is presently known to happen among adults too. Genetic factors can also influence the possibility of a child getting diabetes mellitus. A person with a close relative like a sibling or parent with diabetes is more likely to get the disease. Environmental factors can also be the cause of the rise of early symptoms.



2. Symptoms of Diabetes



Children with diabetes can present a number of symptoms, such as increase in thirst, headache, behavioural problems, sudden weight loss, fatigue, complaints about abdominal pain and frequent urination. The presence of ketoacidosis can also point out diabetes among kids. It is a very serious problem wherein acids, known as ketones are discovered in the urine, because of the utilization of the body of fats, instead of the usual carbohydrates.



3. On Insulin



A lot of kids dealing with diabetes require insulin. During the initial phases of diagnosis, these kids may also require small doses of fast acting and slow acting insulin, which boost with age. The advent of insulin pumps for administration has allowed several kids to add flexibility on a day-to-day basis. The time of administration, dosage and frequency of injections all rely on the child's age, blood glucose level and activity.



4. On Blood Sugar Levels



Balance blood sugar level to control diabetes, since low or high sugar levels can display health risks, particularly for kids who still belong in the growing phase. It is important that the child and the parent watch the blood sugar levels everyday and adjust the exercise, dosage and meals accordingly. The diabetic diet is quite similar to the food pyramid guide. However, patients need to consume less fats, especially fats that come from animals and sugars. They should also boost the intake of fruits, vegetables and fibres. Parents do not need to cook separate meals for the diabetic child, since the whole family can consume the diet. Skipping meals is not advised since you may experience dangerous effects.



5. Exercise and Drugs



Physical activity is vital aspect of diabetes, since it lowers blood glucose levels. Even though exercise is good, the sugar levels should also not go down too deep. Always consult your doctor about the exercise and diet program to suit the special needs of the child. For type 2 diabetes, there are medications that help adjust the body's resistance to insulin. Watch your carbohydrate and fat intake very closely.