What Causes Type 1 Diabetes? – Type 1 diabetes is thought to be caused by an autoimmune reaction (the body attacks itself by mistake). This reaction destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin, called beta cells. This process can go on for months or years before any symptoms appear.
- Some people have certain genes (traits passed on from parent to child) that make them more likely to develop type 1 diabetes.
- However, many of them won’t go on to have type 1 diabetes even if they have the genes.
- A trigger in the environment, such as a virus, may also play a part in developing type 1 diabetes.
Diet and lifestyle habits don’t cause type 1 diabetes.
Can you get type 1 diabetes by eating sugar?
Does sugar cause diabetes? – There are two main types of diabetes – type 1 and type 2 diabetes. We know that sugar does not cause type 1 diabetes, nor is it caused by anything else in your lifestyle. In type 1 diabetes, the insulin producing cells in your pancreas are destroyed by your immune system.
- With type 2 diabetes, the answer is a little more complex.
- Though we know sugar doesn’t directly cause type 2 diabetes, you are more likely to get it if you are overweight.
- You gain weight when you take in more calories than your body needs, and sugary foods and drinks contain a lot of calories.
- So you can see if too much sugar is making you put on weight, then you are increasing your risk of getting type 2 diabetes.
But type 2 diabetes is complex, and sugar is unlikely to be the only reason the condition develops. We also know that sugar sweetened drinks, like canned soft drinks, are associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, and this is not necessarily linked to their effect on body weight.
Are you born with type 1 diabetes or type 2?
The main difference between the type 1 and type 2 diabetes is that type 1 diabetes is a genetic condition that often shows up early in life, and type 2 is mainly lifestyle-related and develops over time. With type 1 diabetes, your immune system is attacking and destroying the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas.
- Although type 1 and type 2 diabetes both have things in common, there are lots of differences.
- Like what causes them, who they affect, and how you should manage them.
- For a start, type 1 affects 8% of everyone with diabetes.
- While type 2 diabetes affects about 90%.
- Some people get confused between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
This can mean you have to explain that what works for one type doesn’t work for the other, and that there are different causes. The main thing to remember is that both are as serious as each other. Having high blood glucose (or sugar) levels can lead to serious health complications, no matter whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Can a type 1 diabetic have a baby?
During Your Pregnancy – As soon as you find out that you’re pregnant, work with your medical team to manage your blood sugar and head off complications. During your pregnancy, you and your doctors will adjust your diabetes management plan, so it’s important that you trust your team and feel free to reach out to them.
An endocrinologist (a doctor who treats hormone conditions, including diabetes). You may want to find one who specializes in caring for pregnant women with diabetes. An obstetrician (a doctor who treats pregnant women). Your pregnancy may be considered high risk because of your diabetes. If that’s the case, you may want to find an obstetrician who takes care of women with high-risk pregnancies. A diabetes educator who can help you manage your diabetes during pregnancy.
Here are a few things to keep in mind: Keep your A1C levels on target. Blood sugar levels that stay high during pregnancy may cause your baby to grow too large (macrosomia) or harm the early development of organs and lead to birth defects. Know your risks.
Preecalampsia – high blood pressure that can damage the liver and kidneys. Insulin resistance – when insulin is less effective at lowering your blood sugar. Miscarriage. Macrosomia – a larger-than-average baby. This can lead to a more difficult delivery. Birth defects that may affect your baby’s heart, brain, spine, kidneys, digestive system, limbs, and mouth.
Read more about possible risks during pregnancy. Be aware of changing insulin needs. Your insulin needs may change throughout your pregnancy. Low blood sugar is common in women with type 1 diabetes. Check with your health care team about how much insulin you need and how often you need it.
If you are delivering in a hospital, what is the procedure for women who wear an insulin pump? Can you keep your CGM on during labor and delivery? Who will manage your blood sugar levels during and after labor and delivery? What diabetes supplies do you need to pack in your hospital bag?
Learn more about birth plans external icon for people with type 1 diabetes.
What are two factors that cause type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 Diabetes – Type 1 diabetes is thought to be caused by an immune reaction (the body attacks itself by mistake). Risk factors for type 1 diabetes are not as clear as for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Known risk factors include:
Family history : Having a parent, brother, or sister with type 1 diabetes. Age : You can get type 1 diabetes at any age, but it usually develops in children, teens, or young adults.
In the United States, White people are more likely to develop type 1 diabetes than African American and Hispanic or Latino people. Currently, no one knows how to prevent type 1 diabetes.
Who most commonly gets type 1 diabetes?
Who Gets Type 1 Diabetes? – Type 1 diabetes is seen most often in children and young adults, although the disease can occur at any age. People with Type 1 disease are often thin to normal weight and often lose weight prior to diagnosis. Type 1 diabetes accounts for about 5-10% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes.