What Causes Diabetes in Humans?

Diabetes is a condition that affects the way the body either reacts to or produces insulin, a hormone involved in controlling blood sugar levels. It is typically divided into two major categories: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes is characterized by the reduced capacity to produce insulin; Type 2 diabetes is characterized by a higher resistance or sensitivity to insulin, as well as a reduction in insulin production. The result in both types of diabetes is extremely high blood sugar. Type 1 diabetes is typically treated with insulin injections; Type 2 diabetes is treated through lifestyle changes, oral medications and (when necessary) insulin injections. There is no known cure.

Genetic Factors

• Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes have a genetic predisposition. Type 1 onset usually requires an external factor such as infection, chemical exposure or stress to unlock the predisposition. Type 2 diabetes tends to run in families.

Autoimmune

• Type 1 diabetes is often caused by an autoimmune response in which T-cells attack the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.

Obesity

• Obesity is considered a risk factor in the development of Type 2 diabetes due to the tendency of overweight individuals to have an increased resistance to insulin.

Race/Ethnicity

• Type 1 diabetes is more prevalent among Caucasians of Northern European descent than other racial/ethnic groups. Type 2 diabetes is more prevalent in non-Caucasian racial/ethnic populations.

Age

• Type 1 diabetes can be diagnosed at any age, but most typically begins in young adulthood. Type 2 diabetes tends to be a greater risk for the aging population due to the inevitable decline in the functions of the body, decreased physical activity and the weight gain associated with that decrease activity.