What are the Causes of Diabetes?
For years, scientists have studied the pancreas, and still, they have yet to discover a solid reason as to why the pancreas stops producing insulin or produces ineffective insulin. However, science has discovered a mutant gene handed down from our ancestors that may be the cause. Other possible causes for Diabetes include:
Over weight Genes Anxiety/Stress Lack of Physical Activity Infections of the Pancreas Serum Cholesterol and Triglyceride level Elevations
You will find that most risk factors responsible for diabetes are also factors that exist for heart disease.
Diabetes is due to insulin that is either insufficient or ineffective leading to increased blood glucose levels. This leads to symptoms of polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (excessive thirst). Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas. When glucose levels are elevated, insulin changes glucose into energy that the body can use for fuel.
The body’s reaction to insufficient insulin:
When insulin is produced but the body fails to use it appropriately, it is said the body is resistant to insulin. A second reaction is when the body does not produce enough insulin to change glucose into energy. In both cases the insulin is inefficient and causes blood glucose levels to rise in the blood.
Can it be cured?
At this time, scientists have not yet found a cure. However, there are several experimental procedures that are displaying high success rates. These procedures include;
Transplant of Pancreas: This procedure is for anyone with uncontrollable Type 1 DM diabetes, but have a functioning kidney. In patients who underwent this procedure, insulin injections were no longer required to keep them alive and the risk factors with diabetes were greatly decreased.
Kidney/Pancreas Transplant: Reserved for patients who have substantial kidney failure as well as uncontrolled Type 1 diabetes. This surgical procedure allows the patient to be free of dialysis treatments and insulin injections. Patients who avoid rejecting their organs in the first year after surgery have a greater likelihood of non-rejection for 10 years and more.
Transplant of Islets: Islets of Langerhans are beta cells in the pancreas. While this procedure is still in its clinical trial, it involves the islets of a deceased donor to be injected into a diabetic patients liver. Once completed, the cells begin to produce insulin which the body uses to regulate blood sugar levels.
In a study of patients who received islet transplants, five out of thirty-six still remain free of the need for insulin two years after the procedure. Although these procedures are experimental and not yet approved by the FDA, they have all shown positive results.
Experimental surgeries, studies and research will continue with vigor until a cure is found. But, for those living with diabetes, simple lifestyle changes can ensure a long, productive happy life until scientists can discover the cure they know is out there.
