Unfortunately, it is impossible to list risk factors for a disease that cannot actually be prevented, no matter how early you see a doctor.  That said, the majority of type I diabetes patients are diagnosed before the age of 30.  So, if you’re older than 30, statistically, you are at a very low risk.

Remember though, there are more kinds of diabetes with different risk factors.  Bookmark my blog to check back for when I talk about Type 2 diabetes.

So, instead of worrying or stressing about your chances of developing Type I diabetes, stay informed.  Keep aware of the symptoms, and be ready to seek treatment for you or a loved one as soon as possible.  Patients with diabetes can lead long, happy, healthy lives – and we’ll be here whenever you need us.

That said, Type I diabetes can appear like a tornado: severely and without warning.  Below are some of the most common early symptoms of Type I diabetes (provided by the American Diabetes Association):

•    Frequent urination
•    Excessive thirst
•    Extreme hunger
•    Unusual weight loss
•    Increased fatigue
•    Irritability
•    Blurry vision

Even if you aren’t suffering from these, it’s important to keep in mind to help your friends and family, stay alert, and be informed.

Patients with Type I diabetes can lead long, happy, healthy lives.  And if you aren’t showing any symptoms, but are still concerned, take a look at our prevention page, and find out how you can stop diabetes before it stops you.

That’s why anyone, diabetics or not, should be familiar with the typical symptoms of diabetes and basic info about the disease, because without proper treatment as soon as possible, ignored Type I diabetes can result in coma or death.

Type I diabetes is a condition in which the body does not produce enough insulin – a hormone that helps cells ingest sugar as an energy source.  You need this energy to do absolutely everything including walking, talking, eating, sleeping and breathing.

So, if you’re suddenly thirsty all day, urinating too frequently, losing weight but always eating like a horse, vomiting, too tired or weak then you should see a doctor right away.  Without attention, the sugar build-up in your blood can start to cause serious weakness, confusion or hallucinations.  And after that…things get worse.

Talk to your doctor about what you can do to help prevent diabetes, or how to stay healthy while living with the disease.  Yes, it can be scary to find out you have diabetes, but relax.  Though serious, patients can live long, happy and healthy lives.  So stay informed, and stay positive.  We’re here to help.

So the answer is a yes and no. Children in families with diabetes may be more susceptible to than others but will need some sort of trigger to cause the onset of disease.

However, if you smoke, drink, don’t exercise, eat a lot of foods that are rich in fats, high in sugar, and loaded with carbohydrates, then you are definitely at risk for type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately you only need to be really good at one of these things to be at risk.

If it is a genetic cause it is likely that your body doesn’t produce insulin, which is the hormone that helps move glucose into cells. Or you may not have functional receptors on the cells to grab hold of the insulin or glucose. This is type 1 diabetes and usually occurs early in life.

If it is a lifestyle cause, it is likely that you eat food that is high in fat, sugar, and carbohydrates. These diet choices, coupled with a lack of exercise eventually overwhelms the body’s capabilities to deal with the sugar load. However, your body may simply wear out over time. These scenarios cause type 2 diabetes.

Here for your diabetic health! Dr. Tytus

Diabetes is believed to be the largest silent disease that can have serious repercussions if left untreated.

Here for your diabetic health! Dr. Tytus

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