Hello,

I just thought I'd introduce myself as a University student that's looking for a bit more information on Diabetes.

I haven't been diagnosed, but am curious as to what are some of the causes and preventative measures.

I'm looking forward to participating in a lot of the discussions!

Hi and Welcome! There are 2 main types of diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that is commonly first diagnosed in childhood, but anyone from infants to the elderly can be diagnosed with it (less common). When Type 1 diabetes is diagnosed in adults, it is usually is a slow developing form called LADA.

In Type 1 diabetes, the body mistakenly attacks it's own insulin producing cells, called beta cells. We don't know why this happens. There is a genetic component, and a trigger is needed, such as a virus.

Right now, there is no way to prevent Type 1 diabetes, and there is no cure. People with Type 1 diabetes must take multiple insulin injections daily for life in order to live.

Type 1 diabetes affects 5-10% of people with diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form, affecting 90-95% of those with diabetes. In this form, the body usually makes too MUCH insulin (unlike Type 1, where there is little to no insulin production), and/or body becomes resistant to it. Insulin resistance is the hallmark of Type 2 diabetes. There is a genetic component as well to Type 2 diabetes, but in this case, we know what usually causes these genes to activate.

In most cases, the main causes of Type 2 diabetes are: obesity, being overweight, lack of exercise, unhealthy diet, and some drugs, such as ant-psychotics and steroids. The last two causes are only being researched now, and do not cause the vast majority of cases.

In most cases, Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed with a healthy lifestyle and by maintaining a normal weight. That's it! Common sense! Some people (but not all) can even go off medication if they make healthy lifestyle changes and lose the excess weight, if their Type 2 diabetes is caught early on.

I do want to point out though that about 20% of Type 2 diabetics are not overweight. There are some cases which appear to have more of a genetic link, and cannot always be prevented with lifestyle. The majority of cases can, though.

Sometimes women who are at high risk for Type 2 diabetes temporarily develop it while pregnant. This is called Gestational Diabetes.

There are other types of diabetes which are VERY rare, such as MODY, the KIR 6 genetic mutation in neonatal diabetes, and secondary diabetes, which develops from diseases like Cushing's Disease and Cystic Fibrosis. The causes for these types of diabetes are different. If you need more info on these rare forms of diabetes, just ask!

If you are working on a project, good luck! You probably only really need to mention the differences between the two major types (i.e. Type 1 is autoimmune and cannot be prevented, etc.), and then focus on the ways to prevent Type 2.

__________________
Pre-Med Student

P.S. There is a lot of research going on right now looking at the role of trans fats, hormones, and chemicals in the development of Type 2 diabetes. However, this is probably beyond the scope of what you are looking for.

In Type 1 research, there is more and more evidence to suggest dietary proteins like gluten (found in wheat, barley, oats), and casein (found in cow's milk), *may* be linked to the development of Type 1 in those with the genes for it. There are also viruses that have been linked. It also looks as though a "leaky gut" is the point of entry for the trigger of Type 1, as well as other autoimmune diseases.

There is a lot of research going on in diabetes these days! If you want to know more, just ask!

__________________
Pre-Med Student