Unlike type 2 diabetes, type 1 diabetes is not influenced by lifestyle factors (such as poor diet and lack of exercise). However, lots of people are born with genetic markers for type 1 diabetes but do not actually develop the condition.
It is not fully understood why some people develop type 1 diabetes, but doctors and researchers believe that a problematic immune response plays a role. In this case, the immune system attacks cells in the pancreas responsible for producing insulin, which then leads to serious health effects.
People with type 1 diabetes inherit certain genes, which increases their chance of developing the disease. However, not everyone with these genes goes on to experience health problems. Certain environmental factors are also suspected to play a role in the development of type 1 diabetes. This includes viral infections, which may trigger the disease in some people. Cold weather is another possible trigger, as type 1 diabetes is more prevalent in cold climates than hot ones.
Making certain lifestyle choices, such as eating right and exercising, can lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. As for type 1, it is not possible to mitigate your risk by leading a healthy lifestyle. However, properly managing the condition can reduce its effect on your health and support an optimal quality of life. In this case, people with type 1 diabetes must:
While diet and exercise cannot prevent type 1 diabetes from occurring, it can mitigate the effects of the disease. Nutritious diets, regular exercise, and proper management of stress can also result in improved health and wellness.