Causes Of Diabetes, A Notorious Killer - Top Clues To Understanding It

At present no cure exists for diabetes, and scientists are unsure of the exact cause, although researchers are investigating a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The following are summary list of its causes:

1. Genetic defects
2. Exocrine Pancreatic Defect
3. Endocrine dysfunction
4. Infections
5. Drugs

Type 1 diabetes:

This type is considered as an autoimmune disease, in which the body immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.

The tendency to develop this disease may run in families, but genetic causes (a positive family history) is much more common for type 2 diabetes.

Environmental factors, including common unavoidable viral infections, may also contribute.

Race is a possible cause of this condition in that it is most common in people of non-Hispanic, Northern European descent, followed by Africa Americans, and Hispanic Americans. It is relatively rare in those of Asian descent.

Sex may contribute to this condition since it is slightly more common in men than in women.

Type 2 diabetes:

Type 2 form has a very powerful genetic connection, meaning that it tends to run in families. A number of genes have been identified and more are under study which may relate to the causes of this condition. The following are risk factors for developing this disease:

1. High blood pressure
2. High blood triglyceride (fat) levels
3. Gestational diabetes or giving birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds
4. High-fat diet
5. High alcohol intake
6. Sedentary lifestyle
7. Obesity or being overweight

Also racism has effect on the cause of this condition and gestational diabetes. Research have shown that certain groups of people, such as Africa Americans, Native Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Japanese Americans, have a higher risk of developing this type disease than non-Hispanic whites.

Age is also a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes. There is a significant rise in risk at about 45 years, that increases considerably after 65 years of age.