The Causes of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes is believed to be an autoimmune disease. The body's immune system attacks the beta cells of the pancreas where insulin is produced.

• A genetic predisposition to develop Type 1 Diabetes may run in families but much less so than for Type 2 Diabetes.

• Environmental factors, such as certain types of viral infections, may also contribute to Type 1 Diabetes.

• Type 1 Diabetes is most common in people of non-Hispanic white persons of Northern European descent, followed by African Americans and Hispanic Americans. It is relatively rare in those of Asian descent.

The Causes of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes is related to diet and lifestyle factors. There may also be a genetic tendency, although genetic factors are not the only reason this condition develops.

Risk factors for developing Type 2 Diabetes include the following:

• Weight gain & obesity
• Poor diet, high in fat & sugar
• High blood pressure
• High blood triglyceride (fat) levels
• Gestational diabetes
• Smoking
• High alcohol intake
• Lack of regular exercise
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Ethnicity: Certain groups, such as Australian Aboriginals & Torres Strait Islanders, African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanic Americans and Asian populations have a greater risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.
• Ageing: Increasing age is a significant risk factor for Type 2 Diabetes. Risk begins to rise significantly at about 45 years, and rises considerably after age 65.

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