What's Secondary Diabetes And What Conditions May Be The Cause Of Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition in which patients have high levels of glucose (a type of sugar) in the blood. Uncontrolled diabetes is associated with a wide range of complications, some of which are fatal. Therefore, it is absolutely vital to recognize diabetes and start treating it early on. The most common forms of diabetes are type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.

These are the conditions that can cause secondary diabetes.

Celiac disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the lining of the small intestine (triggered by gluten). However, other parts of the body can also be attacked by the immune system. In fact, as type 1 diabetes is also an autoimmune condition (in which the immune system attacks the cells of the pancreas), patients with type 1 are more likely to have celiac disease. Hence, current guidelines recommend that patients with type 1 diabetes should be screened for celiac disease once they have been diagnosed, and testing should be done if patients complain of symptoms associated with celiac disease.

Thyroid disease

Studies have shown that patients with diabetes are more likely to have thyroid problems than people without diabetes. This is especially true for patients with type 1 diabetes, as the immune system starts to attack the thyroid and destroys cells that produce thyroid hormone. However, people with type 2 diabetes are also more likely to develop thyroid problems, though the reason why is unclear. While thyroid disease is not curable, it can be well-managed using medication.

Polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, as well as an increased risk of heart disease. This is because polycystic ovary syndrome causes insulin resistance, leading to higher levels of insulin and glucose in the blood. In fact, 10 to 20 percent of women with polycystic ovary syndrome will develop type 2 diabetes. While PCOS is not curable, it can be managed using a variety of treatment methods that are often prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, and having a healthy diet.

Diabetes insipidus

Diabetes insipidus is a disease in which a gland called the pituitary gland is no longer able to make a hormone known as vasopressin, which is necessary for proper kidney functioning. People with diabetes insipidus produce large amounts of urine since the kidneys can’t retain water. While rare, patients with diabetes insipidus can go onto to develop diabetes.

Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum

Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum is a skin disease that is known to be associated with diabetes. It has been shown to affect about 0.3 percent of people with diabetes, and commonly develops in young or middle-aged adults. While it is unknown why the condition develops, it can strike even in patients with very well-managed diabetes. Symptoms of necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum include dark, red or brown patches on the skin that are small and oval. Again, there is no cure for the disease, though some people treat it with steroids.

Mastopathy

Mastopathy refers to fibrous breast tissue that can develop in patients with diabetes. While uncommon, it has been shown to have an association with type 1 diabetes in premenopausal women. It is not entirely clear why some people develop mastopathy, but doctors believe that high blood glucose levels play a role. Fortunately, having mastopathy does not put you at a higher risk of breast cancer, though you should see a doctor if you notice mastopathy.

Muscle problems

Several different muscle problems are also associated with the development of diabetes. These include:

• Limited joint mobility. This causes joints to no longer be flexible. Treatment for limited joint mobility involves keeping blood glucose levels at the target level, though physiotherapy can also help.
• Frozen shoulder. This condition is associated with pain and limited mobility in the shoulder. It is much more common in patients who have had diabetes for many years. It is usually treated with painkillers, physiotherapy and sometimes, surgery.
• Dupuytren’s contracture. This causes contraction of the fingers and cannot be straightened. Again, it is a common disease in people who have had diabetes for many years.
• Trigger finger. This is a condition in which the the finger is bent towards the the palm and clicks or locks. It is more likely to develop in patients who have had diabetes for a long time.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition causes pain or numbness in the hands and wrist and is usually worse at night. It is more likely to develop in patients with diabetes.

Other diseases

There are still several other diseases that are associated with secondary diabetes. These include:

• Dental problems (gum disease)
• Cystic fibrosis
• Chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancrease)
• Hemochromatosis (too much iron in your body)
• Pancreatic cancer
• Pancreatectomy (removal of the pancreas)