What Causes Diabetes

What Causes Diabetes?

Causes of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes (Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus):

  • Autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
  • Exact cause is unknown, but genetics and environmental factors may play a role.

Type 2 Diabetes (Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus or Adult-Onset Diabetes):

  • Primarily caused by insulin resistance, where the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin.
  • Risk factors include:
    • Obesity and overweight
    • Family history of diabetes
    • Physical inactivity
    • Unhealthy diet
    • Age (over 45)
    • Certain ethnicities (e.g., African Americans, Hispanic Americans)
    • History of gestational diabetes