Diabetes is a disease that impacts the manner in which the body processes the sugar in the blood (glucose). There are two general types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. While the specifics of what causes each type of diabetes differs, there are numerous factors that may contribute to both types.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar. When the body does not produce enough insulin, the blood sugar level increases.
Causes:
- Genetics: Family history can be important; however, genetics is not the only factor.
- Autoimmune response: The body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-secreting beta cells in the pancreas.
- Environmental factors: Autoimmune responses may be triggered by certain viral infections in individuals who are genetically vulnerable.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is more prevalent; it usually takes longer to develop, either when the body does not respond to insulin (insulin resistance) or fails to make enough insulin.
Gestational Diabetes
This type of diabetes arises in pregnancy due to inadequate insulin production to meet demand. Gestational diabetes usually resolves after delivery but can increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in the future.
Causes:
This can occur for a number of reasons.
- Physical and hormonal changes during pregnancy can make the body less capable of responding to insulin.
- Obesity and a family history of diabetes can also increase the risk.
Other Contributing Factors
- Chronic stress. Chronic stress can lead to the potential for weight gain, as stress hormones can affect blood sugar regulation.
- Sleep issues including poor sleep hygiene or sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, can increase risk for developing diabetes.
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol levels can also be risk factors for Type 2 diabetes. In summary, Type 1 diabetes is from an autoimmune response, whereas Type 2 diabetes is primarily linked to lifestyle factors, family history, and insulin resistance.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is more prevalent and typically occurs over time when the body does not respond appropriately to insulin or the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
Causes:
- Genetics – Family history and other genetic factors can affect risk.
- Obesity – Having excess body fat – particularly around the abdomen – is strongly correlated with insulin resistance.Inactivity –
- Inactivity can cause obesity and insulin resistance.
- Unhealthy diet – Diets consisting of processed foods,
- sugars, and unhealthy fats cause an increased risk of development of type 2 diabetes.
- Age – The risk increases with age, especially if the onset is after the age of 45, but Type 2 diabetes is also becoming more common among younger populations due to lifestyle reasons.
- Hormonal changes – Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can increase the risk of the development of type 2 diabetes.
