Raising Awareness of Diabetes - Part 4: Risk Factors and Prevention of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

by: Angie Mettille, RN, BSN, CDCES

Diabetes, a chronic condition that affects how the body processes glucose, is one of the most prevalent health concerns worldwide. While both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are related to high blood sugar levels, they have distinct causes, risk factors, and management strategies. Understanding these differences is crucial for prevention, early detection, and effective treatment.

Type 1 diabetes is a condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This form of diabetes typically manifests in childhood or early adulthood, although it can occur at any age. While the exact cause remains unknown, several risk factors have been identified:

1. Genetics: Children with a parent or sibling who has Type 1 diabetes (T1D) are at higher risk.
2. Immune System Dysfunction: T1D is considered an autoimmune disease, meaning the body’s immune system erroneously attacks healthy cells. Research shows low vitamin D levels are linked to autoimmune disorders. Vitamin D can be found in sunshine or supplementation.
3. Environmental Factors: While not fully understood, there is evidence suggesting that certain viruses, such as the enterovirus, may trigger the autoimmune response that leads to Type 1 diabetes in genetically predisposed individuals.
4. Age: While T1D can develop at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in children, teenagers, or young adults.
5. Geographic Location: Some studies have found that people living in northern latitudes, such as Scandinavia, have a higher incidence of Type 1 diabetes.

Jeremy Kolsrud of Waukon knows first-hand that Type 1 Diabetes is not only diagnosed in children. “At 52, I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Before my diagnosis, I dealt with extreme fatigue, brain fog, and constant urination - it felt like anything I drank went right through me. The turning point came when my vision started to deteriorate, and I began losing muscle mass rapidly. Within just three weeks, my weight plummeted from 213 to 176 pounds.”

Kolsrud continues describing his experience with Type 1 Diabetes: “After being diagnosed, I had to learn to count carbs and use insulin. Managing diabetes requires lifelong adjustments, including dietary changes and regular monitoring. For me, many of these changes turned out to be positive - I improved my diet and overall health, even if I still indulge occasionally.”

He concludes, “To anyone newly diagnosed later in life: work closely with your diabetic educator and stay open to changes. Engage with the people around you - they can often notice changes you might miss. Staying positive is key. With insulin management, diligent carb counting, and monitoring your blood sugar, living well with Type 1 Diabetes is absolutely possible.”

Type 2 diabetes is far more common than Type 1 and is largely associated with lifestyle factors. Unlike Type 1, the body produces insulin but either becomes resistant to it or doesn’t produce enough to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Type 2 typically develops in adults but can also occur in children and adolescents, particularly due to rising obesity rates. The major risk factors include:

1. Obesity: Obesity contributes to insulin resistance, making it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar levels.
2. Physical Inactivity: Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, improves insulin sensitivity, and supports overall metabolic health.
3. Poor Diet: Diets high in processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats, combined with low fiber intake, are associated with an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes.
4. Age: Type 2 diabetes is more common in people over the age of 45.
5. Family History and Genetics: Having a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, with Type 2 diabetes significantly increases the risk.
6. Ethnicity: Certain ethnic groups, including African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, and Asian Americans, have a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
7. Hypertension and High Cholesterol: People with high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels are at greater risk for Type 2 diabetes
8. Gestational Diabetes: Women who have had gestational diabetes during pregnancy are at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. Additionally, having a baby weighing more than nine pounds increases a woman’s risk of Type 2 diabetes.
9. Insulin Resistance: Over time, the body may develop insulin resistance, which is when the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin.

While the risk factors for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes vary, both types require ongoing management to prevent complications. Early intervention is crucial. For Type 1 diabetes, managing blood sugar levels through insulin therapy, regular monitoring, and a balanced diet is key to maintaining good health.

“Jeremy has embraced life with diabetes and his efforts to manage his blood sugars are paying off with improved overall health. Everyone, with or without diabetes, should be attentive of their food and drink and move their body more. Jeremy took the education he was given seriously and made his health a priority, which is a combination for successful management of blood sugars,” stated Angie Mettille, VMH Diabetes Educator.

For Type 2 diabetes, lifestyle modifications play a significant role in prevention and management. Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, eating a balanced diet, and managing stress can help reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. In some cases, medication or insulin therapy may be necessary to keep blood sugar levels under control.

Understanding the risk factors for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can help individuals take proactive steps in reducing their risk and managing their health. While Type 1 diabetes cannot currently be prevented, lifestyle changes and early detection can significantly reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes, offering hope for a healthier future. Awareness, regular health check-ups, and a commitment to healthier living are the keys to managing these two distinct forms of diabetes.

By addressing risk factors head-on, individuals can take control of their health, reduce complications, and lead fuller lives despite the challenges posed by diabetes.

For more information, feel free to contact Angie Mettille, RN, Diabetes Educator at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon at 563-568-3411.