Diabetes mellitus, commonly referred to as diabetes, is a condition that involves unregulated levels of glucose, or sugar, in the blood. According to Medline Plus, a medical information website established by the National Institutes of Health, diabetes affects over 20 million Americans. In type 2 diabetes, the body's cells become resistant to the effects of insulin, a molecule that allows glucose to enter the cells. Early signs of type 2 diabetes include increased thirst, increased hunger, fatigue, weight loss and frequent urination. Researchers don't fully understand the causes of diabetes, but have noticed strong relationships between diabetes and certain factors.
Weight
Excess fat may cause diabetes, states the Mayo Clinic. Researchers have discovered that the more fatty tissue a person has, the more likely they are to have diabetes. Excessive fat increases the risk because fat causes the body's cells to become resistant to the effects of insulin. As a result, cells do not take up glucose and the levels of glucose in the blood remain high, which can lead to the symptoms and complications of diabetes. Therefore, diabetes can be managed or prevented by proper weight management, which includes proper eating and exercise habits. With weight loss, the body's cells can become more sensitive to insulin.
Inactivity
A sedentary lifestyle may be a cause of type 2 diabetes, states the Mayo Clinic. Physical activity makes the cells more sensitive to insulin because the cells need to burn glucose as fuel during physical activity. This normalizes the levels of glucose in the blood and reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In addition, physical activity prevents weight gain, which may be a cause of diabetes. Thus, regular physical activity should be incorporated into a daily routine to prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.
Family History
Genes may play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes. The Mayo clinic states that the risk of type 2 diabetes increases if a sibling or a parent has type 2 diabetes. Genes determine the body's makeup and how it functions. Because genes are passed down from parents, if a parent has a gene that results in diabetes, the child will likely have the same gene that will increase his risk. Although genes cannot be altered, a patient with a family history of type 2 diabetes can make lifestyle improvements to prevent the onset of this condition. This includes healthy eating, regular exercise and weight management. Furthermore, a patient should not wait to see a doctor if he begins to notice symptoms of diabetes.
