Diabetes Advanced Treatment

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world, with over one million new cases diagnosed each year. As there is no single cause for the onset of diabetes, knowing the risk factors and making healthy choices are essential to prevention. The disease may result from a combination of the following physical and environmental factors:

GENETICS
Type 1 diabetes is caused by specific genes. While there is no specific gene pattern in type 2 diabetes, the chances of development increase if other family members have the disease.

ETHNIC BACKGROUND
Certain ethnic groups have a greater tendency to develop diabetes. People of African, Latin American or South Asian descent are five times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than Caucasians.

WEIGHT
Overweight people have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes due to the resistance of the body's cells to insulin. Obesity (Body Mass Index greater than 30) further increases the chances of developing type 2 diabetes.

AGE
The risk of developing type 2 diabetes increase with age.

HYPERTENSION
High blood pressure is linked to an increased chance for developing type 2 diabetes.

BODY SHAPE
Carrying excess weight around the waist increases the risk for type 2 diabetes.

METABOLIC SYNDROME
Also known as Insulin Resistance Syndrome, this condition often leads to type 2 diabetes.

MEDICATIONS
Some medication can raise blood glucose levels or prevent insulin from working properly, thereby increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. These include: steroids such as prednisone and cortisone; thiazide diuretics such as hydrochlorthiazide; beta-blockers such as propranolol; and immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine.

VIRAL INFECTIONS
Specific infections can sometimes set off an abnormal reaction in which the immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, triggering type 1 diabetes.

DAMAGE TO PANCREAS
Conditions such as pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, hemochromatosis, or removal of the pancreas can lead to the development of diabetes.

HORMONAL DISORDERS
The overproduction of hormones that oppose the action of insulin can cause type 2 diabetes.

PREGNANCY
Lack of required amounts of insulin for the fetus during pregnancy results in the temporary condition of gestational diabetes.

SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE
Those who are habitually inactive are at greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

If you or someone you know are at risk for developing diabetes, we urge you to visit Coast Plaza Hospital at your earliest convenience. Our diabetes care specialists are available for screenings and counseling, and can be reached at (562) 868-3751, extension 2062 or (562) 929-2777.

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