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The Effects of Genetic and Environmental Factors on Type 1 Diabetes Type 1 diabetes is an

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The Effects of Genetic and Environmental Factors on Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder, in which the pancreas does not produce insulin. It usually begins in childhood or adolescence. In Type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system destroys beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that converts sugar, starches, and food into energy. Without insulin, blood glucose levels become too high, which is known as hyperglycemia. To prevent hyperglycemia, people with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin daily to survive. Genetic and environmental factors affect the onset of Type 1 diabetes. [1] According to the American Diabetes Association, a predisposition to Type 1 diabetes is …show more content…

The research on the affect of viruses in triggering Type 1 diabetes is inconclusive, and some is even contradictory. Some researchers have also found that viruses may prevent Type 1 diabetes. Scientists at Joslin Diabetes Center add trauma as a potential trigger of Type 1 diabetes. A traumatic event, such as a body trauma or a car crash, increases the body’s insulin requirement and strains the pancreas. [5] Dr. James H. Warram at the Joslin Diabetes Center concluded that the trauma does not cause diabetes, but it can trigger the onset of the disease.
Another possible environmental cause of Type 1 diabetes is early diet. Breastfeeding for at least three months has shown to decrease the risk of Type 1 diabetes, and a diet including cow’s milk before the age of one year old may increase the risk of diabetes. The American Diabetes Association reports that the onset of Type 1 diabetes occurs more often in winter than in summer. It is also more prevalent in cold climates. This leads researchers to conclude that cold weather may be a possible trigger of Type 1 diabetes, as well. [6] Dr. Andrew Weil (2014) explains that in addition, “Weather has an impact on eating and exercise habits, which can in turn influence how well you’re able to control your blood sugar.” (drweil.com, 2014) The phenotype for Type 1 diabetes includes the presence of autoantibodies in the body. [7] These autoantibodies prevent the pancreas from adequately

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