|
Item
#1
Experts
Reach Consensus on Causes of Type 2 Diabetes
Genetics,
fetal origins, lifestyle and stress may all be risk factors of
Type 2 diabetes
Genetics, fetal
history, lifestyle and stress may all favor the occurrence of Type
2 diabetes, according to experts at a recent meeting in Colombo,
Sri Lanka. 350 international experts including representatives of
the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health
Organization (WHO) met on 6-7 July under the banner of Diabetes in
Asia 2002 to discuss the causes that could be at the origin of
Type 2 diabetes. The subsequent consensus could help develop a
primary prevention strategy to defuse the escalating incidence of
this form of diabetes worldwide.
Type 2 diabetes is
rising dramatically, with at least 170 million people with
diabetes worldwide and a predicted increase to 300 million by
2025. More and more children and adolescents are developing Type 2
diabetes, a form of diabetes that used to be found mostly in
adults. Up until now, scientists mainly focused on obesity due to
lifestyle changes as being a cause of Type 2 diabetes, however,
new studies reveal that genetics, fetal history and, possibly,
stress may also play a role in the development of the condition.
Genetics was
identified as a significant factor that causes diabetes. There is
firm evidence from genetic studies that the association of some
genes is at the root of causing Type 2 diabetes.
Low birth weight was
recognized as another risk factor for Type 2 diabetes.
Epidemiological studies have reported a higher incidence of Type 2
diabetes in people who had a low birth weight. Animal studies
confirm that poor nourishment of the fetus increases the risk of
metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, postnatal
over-nutrition may aggravate the syndrome.
Obesity has long
been associated with diabetes, Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT)
and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). Lifestyle changes, including bad
eating habits and physical inactivity all contribute to obesity.
Finally, compelling
animal evidence and mechanistic studies suggest a relationship
between stress and insulin resistance leading to Type 2 diabetes.
"This consensus
is likely to highlight the urgent need for the primary prevention
of Type 2 diabetes." Said Professor Sir George Alberti,
President of the IDF. "We hope that the consensus will
facilitate the introduction of programs to increase awareness and
promote education at all levels. There is urgent need for
government action to promote healthy lifestyles now."
Read
the Consensus Document.
If
your patients are having a problem paying for their medications go to www.diabetesmeds.org
and download the application that will allow them to get all of their
medications for 10 dollars or less for a 90 day supply.
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
|
