What Are the Causes of Diabetes?

The causes of diabetes are not totally known by medical science. There are still many questions about it that haven't been answered. Scientists are still at a loss as to why some people get it while others do not. It is known however, that having certain risk factors leads to diabetes. Some of these factors (lifestyle) are controllable while others (genetic) are not.
The cause of diabetes type 1: The body stops making insulin or or doesn't make enough insulin to regulate the blood sugar level. This type makes up approximately 10% of all cases diagnosed in the U.S. Previously called juvenile-onset diabetes or




insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, type 1 diabetes is usually seen in children or teens. It can also occur in older people due to removal of or damage to the pancreas. Daily insulin is necessary for keeping a type 1 patient alive.
The cause of diabetes type 2: Type 2 stems from insulin resistance which is a condition in which the body fails to properly use insulin, combined with relative insulin deficiency. Most people who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. Type 2 is controlled with diet, exercise, oral medications and insulin.
The cause of gestational diabetes: Pregnancy causes gestational diabetes. This type affects approximately 4% of all pregnant women. There are about 135,000 cases in the U.S. yearly. The disease disappears after childbirth.
The cause of pre-diabetes: Pre-diabetes occurs when the body's blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not necessarily high enough for a type 2 diagnosis. There are approximately 50 million Americans who have pre-diabetes.
When discussing the cause of diabetes it should also be noted that there are many diabetes myths, or things that are commonly thought to cause it but in fact do not. These myths include: eating too much sugar or chocolate, being under too much stress, or the belief that it is contagious and you can catch it from someone else. Ignore these myths, know the facts about the disease and get yearly checkups to protect your precious health.