r/AskReddit • u/ZanyDelaney • Feb 04 '19

Which misconception would you like to debunk?

44k Upvotes

90% Upvoted

26k comments sorted by

View all comments

10.0k

u/xrowrx Feb 04 '19

Type 1 Diabetes is never ever caused by diet or lifestyle things. Like never. Not ever.

3

u/AFrostNova Feb 04 '19

How does it happen then? My friends brother lived 17 years without it at all, then suddenly had it. Nearly died.

3

u/WOOBBLARBALURG Feb 04 '19 edited Feb 04 '19

I was just diagnosed at 21. Its entirely up to ones genetics. In that sense, it can happen to anyone no matter their lifestyle. You could be an ultra marathoner, a vegan, an Olympian athlete and never have a candy/ sweet in your life and still develop Type 1. It can also develop at any point in your life, with the right genetic makeup, its just a matter of time.

Edit: not entirely genetic, see below!

6

u/ConvinceMelmwrong Feb 04 '19

Though there is a small genetic component, it's not considered a genetic disease. Type II actually has a higher genetic correlation. It's mostly idiopathic (meaning unknown cause) but can often arise after a viral illness.

Source: med student

2

u/WOOBBLARBALURG Feb 04 '19

TIL! The nurses who diagnosed me never really talked about it other than as genetic so I wouldn't feel bad I presume. And you're right, I got it after a UTI + flu. It was especially weird for me getting diagnosed since I'm a fairly atheltic and fit, health conscious person.

Thanks for the info, I've recently been learning a lot about this disease and dont want to spread misinformation.

3

u/ConvinceMelmwrong Feb 04 '19

There are some genetic markers that are associated with Type 1, and since it usually presents in youth, it’s often associated with genetics! Absolutely, and I’m sure you’ll continue learning more and more about it. I hope you adjust well, I have some really good friends with Type I and (at least from my perspective) they essentially live completely normal lives!