Diabetes is a chronic condition that can lead to serious complications such as coronary heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, and erectile dysfunction. Alarmingly, many people living with diabetes are unaware of the underlying reasons why they developed the disease. Identifying the root causes of diabetes is crucial for effective prevention and early intervention.
1. Diabetes and its classification
Diabetes mellitus is a long-term metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. This condition results from either a deficiency in insulin production or the body’s inability to respond effectively to insulin, a hormone essential for regulating blood sugar.
When diabetes develops, the body cannot properly convert carbohydrates from daily meals into usable energy. As a result, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream, leading to persistently high blood sugar levels. Over time, this can damage vital organs such as the eyes, kidneys, heart, and nervous system.
Diabetes is classified into two primary types. Both result in high blood glucose levels, but their causes of diabetes differ. There are two primary types of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes: This form occurs when the pancreas fails to produce insulin. It is relatively rare and typically diagnosed in children and young adults, accounting for less than 10% of all diabetes cases.
Type 2 diabetes: This is the most common type, responsible for 90–95% of global cases. People with type 2 diabetes produce insulin but their bodies are resistant to its effects, resulting in poor glucose metabolism.
Studies show that overweight individuals have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those with normal weight.
2. Main causes of diabetes
While the exact cause of diabetes remains unclear, both genetic and environmental factors play a significant role. A family history of diabetes can increase an individual’s susceptibility to the disease. Additionally, lifestyle-related factors such as a high intake of refined sugars, red meat, and saturated fats, along with physical inactivity and obesity, significantly contribute to its development.
People with unhealthy dietary habits or irregular exercise routines are at greater risk. In particular, those whose parents have diabetes are more likely to develop the condition due to shared genetic traits and potentially similar lifestyles.
3. Harmful habits that increase the risk of diabetes
3.1 Skipping breakfast
Frequently skipping breakfast disrupts insulin sensitivity and increases the risk of sudden spikes in blood glucose. Over time, this strain on the body’s insulin response can become one of the indirect causes of diabetes, particularly type 2.
3.2 Inadequate sleep
Research shows that individuals sleeping less than five hours per night are twice as likely to develop diabetes compared to those who get seven to eight hours. Poor sleep disrupts circadian rhythms, elevates stress hormone cortisol, and impairs glucose metabolism.
3.3 Physical inactivity
A sedentary lifestyle is a leading contributor to obesity and impaired glucose metabolism. Without regular physical activity, the pancreas is forced to produce insulin continuously, which may eventually exhaust its ability to function, thus becoming one of the biological causes of diabetes.
3.4 Chronic stress
Stress affects hormone levels, triggering the release of cortisol and glucose into the bloodstream. Although some may use sugary snacks to cope with stress, this only exacerbates the issue over time. Chronic stress can ultimately lead to insulin resistance and diabetes, even in those who typically avoid sweets.
Stress is a recognized risk factor for the development of diabetes.
3.5 Frequent late nights
Staying awake late into the night impairs metabolic processes and affects insulin regulation. This disruption increases fat accumulation, alters appetite, and may contribute to obesity and blood sugar imbalances, heightening the risk of diabetes.
3.6 Vitamin D deficiency
Individuals with type 2 diabetes often have low levels of vitamin D. This vitamin plays a key role in pancreatic health and insulin production. Incorporating vitamin D-rich foods such as fatty fish and whole grains can support blood sugar regulation.
3.7 Tobacco use
Smoking or passive exposure to tobacco increases the risk of diabetes. Nicotine raises hemoglobin A1C levels and reduces insulin sensitivity, making blood sugar control more difficult.
4. How to detect diabetes early
Because diabetes may not show obvious symptoms in its early stages, routine health check-ups are essential. Regular screenings can detect abnormal blood glucose levels before complications arise.
At Thu Cuc International General Hospital, comprehensive health screening packages are available to help patients detect early signs of diabetes and other chronic diseases. Early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes and reduces the risk of severe complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and nerve damage.
Regular health check-ups enable early detection of diabetes.
Understanding the causes of diabetes empowers individuals to take proactive steps toward prevention. While some risk factors, such as genetics, are beyond control, lifestyle-related causes can often be modified through healthy habits. Regular health screenings, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, and physical activity play a crucial role in maintaining blood glucose levels and preventing the onset of diabetes. If you are at risk or have concerns about your blood sugar levels, consider consulting a healthcare provider for timely evaluation and guidance.
