Diabetes Mellitus: Effects of Genes, Diet, and Exercise

Michael Lancaster
Salt Lake Community College
Health 1020
October 26, 2016

Introduction to Diabetes:
Diabetes, which is also known as Diabetes Mellitus, is a disease with multiple variations
that come as a result of too much glucose, or sugar, in the blood stream. While glucose is a vital
and necessary source of energy, the body functions best when levels are at a certain range in the
blood stream (Norman, 2016). Blood sugar levels that are either too high or too low at any given
time can lead to serious health issues and long term damage to the body (Diabetes, 2014).
There are three primary types of diabetes. They are Type I, Type II and Gestational
Diabetes. While they are all forms of the same disease process, each has a slightly different cause
as well as treatment plan and prognosis (Rodgers, 2016). Of the population that has been
diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus 5-10% have Type I and the remaining 90-95% have Type II.
(Thompson, 2014). Gestational Diabetes occurs in 1-14% of pregnancies.
Type I Diabetes Mellitus is an autoimmune disease. The bodys immune system attacks
the cells in the pancreas that produces insulin. This can arise from a combination of genetics and
environmental factors (Diabetes, 2014). Without insulin the body cannot absorb glucose. This
type of Diabetes requires the use of insulin to allow the body to absorb ingested glucose and
prevent episodes of hypoglycemia (Diabetes Basics, 2015). Type I does not have a cure and
individuals with this type will be insulin dependent for the duration of their lives. Type I was
previously called Juvenile Diabetes due to the onset of the disease during childhood or
adolescence. This term has since been abandoned as Type I can develop at any age.
Type II Diabetes Mellitus is the more common type of Diabetes. The body loses the
ability to produce and then properly use insulin for glucose absorption. This process is also
known as insulin resistance (Norman, 2016). It is widely believed that the primary cause of Type
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II is environmental factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, and poor diet (Kohn, 2016). Diet
is a major key in the development of Type II, as many people with this type are a healthy weight,
but have a poor diet. There are some individuals that have a higher likelihood of developing this
type due to a family history of the disease (Rodgers, 2016). This disease can be prevented or
controlled through lifestyle changes including diet management and increased physical activity
(Association, 2015). Type II was previously referred to as Adult Onset Diabetes due to the onset
of the disease happening in later life, most commonly in the forties to sixties. This term has since
been abandoned by most medical professionals. The incidence of Type II in children has been on
the rise in recent years. This is likely due to the shift in diet to more processed and sugar-filled
foods as well as the increased use of electronics leading to children and teens being more
sedentary. With the shifts in diet and activity more children and teens are becoming obese
leading to the early onset of Type II.
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus is a, typically, temporary condition during pregnancy. The
placenta produces hormones that cause excess amounts of glucose in the blood (Gestational,
2014). Typically the pancreas can compensate for those glucose levels, but if not then
Gestational Diabetes is developed. This can be controlled with diet regulation and typically goes
away after delivery of the child.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus can vary, and in the case of Type II they can go unnoticed
for some time before diagnosis (Norman, 2016). Some of the most common symptoms are:
frequent urination, extreme thirst, extreme hunger, blurry vision, and unexplained fatigue. These
symptoms can also vary based on the severity or progression of the disease (Kohn, 2016). It is

extremely important to be compliant with treatment plans and to notify ones provider of any
symptom changes to prevent symptoms from progressing to more serious health issues.
Complications and Health Implications:
Diabetes must be strictly monitored and managed to prevent the development of serious
complications. Some complications that may occur are: kidney failure, heart disease, blindness,
stroke, or lower extremity amputation. These complications can still arise after having the
disease for a long period of time despite careful management, but it is less likely (Diabetes,
2014).
Having this disease can also affect future generations since having a family history of
Diabetes Mellitus can increase ones risk of getting the disease. Also, in the case of Gestational
Diabetes, infants can be born with blood sugar issues and above average birth weight that effects
them right after delivery and into childhood.
Prevention and Treatment Options:
Diabetes is a very common disease in society today. Despite this fact, every individual
requires unique and individualized care. This care must include management of diet, blood sugar
levels, physical activity and active involvement from ones physician. Many individuals can
manage themselves with the help of their primary physician, but others will require additional
specialists, such as nutritionists and endocrinologists.
Individuals with Type I require insulin injections of some sort due to the complete lack
of insulin production by the body. There is no way to cure Type I but it can be managed through
diligent administration of insulin, diet control and regular physical activity (Norman, 2016). In

rare cases the option for a pancreas transplant is also available. With a successful transplant of a
health pancreas the body will again be able to produce insult and no longer require insulin
therapy (Diabetes, 2014).
Individuals with Type II can often control the disease with only diet management and
increased physical activity. By increasing activity and the change in diet many individuals will
lose weight which helps manage the disease, since obesity is one of the primary factors causing
Type II (Diabetes, 2014). The management of Gestational Diabetes is similar to the previously
described but typically includes the involvement of a nutritionist since there is limited time to get
blood sugar levels under control before delivery. There is medication available for Type II,
normally in oral form. This is normally prescribed by a physician if lifestyle changes are
unsuccessful in managing blood sugar levels.
Effects of Genetics:
Genetics does play a role in the development of Diabetes Mellitus. Some people are born
with a predisposition for developing the disease. This is more likely for Type II than Type I. For
Type I an individual has to inherit the risk from mother and father as well as have some sort of
stress trigger, such as a virus, for the disease to present. Unfortunately, once the disease is
developed there is nothing that can be done as far as treatment and the disease will have to be
medically managed.
Genes play a larger part in the development of Type II as well as Gestational Diabetes. It
is hard, however, to determine to what extent genes are responsible since environmental factors,
such as dietary habits, are also passed from generation to generation. Despite the larger role of

genetics in the development of Type II and Gestational Diabetes these types can be prevented
and managed with lifestyle changes (Genetics, 2014).
Importance of Diet:
Lifestyle is strongly linked to the development of Diabetes Mellitus, particularly Type II
and Gestational Diabetes. Basic knowledge of nutrition and healthy eating habits is crucial in the
management of diabetes. It is not enough to know which foods are healthy but how to combine
various foods into the healthiest combinations. By knowing the effects of ones diet the chances
of controlling the disease are greatly increased (CDC, 2015). It is important to ensure that blood
sugar levels are not too high or too low and do not fluctuate rapidly between the two extremes
(Rogers, 2016).
Many people have the misconception that carbohydrates are the only nutrient involved in
the management of Diabetes Mellitus. This is an incorrect but common misconception due to the
wide-spread knowledge that carbohydrates are the primary source of glucose for the body. While
it is true that primary dietary management of Diabetes includes counting carbohydrates to allow
for controlled release of glucose into the blood stream, the intake of fat and proteins affect the
absorption of carbohydrates and should not be overlooked. It is crucial to understand all the
macronutrients to have proper management of the disease. All three macronutrients yield energy
to the body and the combination of them can affect how the body processes the energy provided.
By using the proper combination of the three macronutrients individuals with Diabetes will have
greater success in the management of their disease.
Individuals with Diabetes Mellitus should meal plan and coordinate meals to ensure
proper nutrition throughout the day. For every meal there should be a balanced combination of
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starches, fruits, vegetables, proteins and fats. By doing this one can ensure steady blood sugar
levels and, for those with Type I, they can have an easier time calculating their insulin injections.
Portion sizes and accurate food measurements are also important to ensure proper macronutrient
count for diet management (Diabetes, 2014).
Effects of Exercise:
Physical activity or lack thereof, is a very important part of Diabetes management. When
one exercises their muscles use glucose for energy and help the body to use insulin more
efficiently. By exercising, and doing so regularly, blood sugar levels can be lowered and
maintained over longer periods of time.
A goal of 30-60 minutes of exercise per day is recommended (Diabetes, 2014). This
physical activity can be in many forms and it is encouraged for individuals with Diabetes
Mellitus to pick something they enjoy and can do consistently. Anything from walking or lifting
weights to doing housework or gardening can have a beneficial effect on the body. By doing this
there are other benefits besides blood sugar maintenance such as lowered blood pressure, weight
loss, and decreased risk of diseases like osteoporosis, just to name a few.
Conclusion:
According to the CDC, individuals who were able to lose weight through diet and
exercise were not only able to control and delay the progression of Diabetes Mellitus, they were
also able to prevent the onset of the disease (CDC, 2015). A strong understanding of a balanced
diet along with the implementation of such a diet and a consistent exercise regimen can have a
huge impact on the development, progression, and management of the disease (Norman, 2016).

By making the necessary lifestyle changed Diabetes Mellitus, in all its forms, can be an
extremely manageable disease.

References:
CDC. (2015, September 30). Preventing diabetes. Retrieved October 24, 2016, from
http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/prevention.html
Diabetes. (2014, July 31). Retrieved October 24,2016, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseasesconditions/diabetes/basics/definition/con-20033091
Diabetes Basics. (2015, June 15). Retrieved October 24, 2016, from
http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/
Genetics of Diabetes: American Diabetes Association. (2014, May 20). Retrieved October 24,
2016, from http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/genetics-of-diabetes.html
Gestational Diabetes. (2014, April 25). Retrieved October 24, 2016 from
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gestational-diabetes/basics/causes/con20014854
Kohn, J. (2016, March 22). Understanding diabetes. Retrieved October 24, 2016, from
http://www.eatright.org/resource/health/diseases-and-conditions/diabetes/understandingdiabetes
Norman, J. (2016, April 26). The Diabetes Center. Retrieved October 24, 2016, from
Endocrineweb, http://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/diabetes/diabetes-center
Rodgers, G. (2016, June 14). Your guide to diabetes: Type 1 and type 2. Retrieved October 24,
2016, from National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases,
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/Diabetes/yourguidediabetes/Pages/index.aspx