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