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.
Gestational diabetes is caused by pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that can occur while a woman is pregnant. Three to five percent of women who are pregnant develop the disease. Like the other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes makes it difficult to manage the blood sugar levels.
Pre-diabetes is a condition in which your blood sugar level is too high, but not high enough to be classified as type 2. Caution should be taken when diagnosed with this type because it can lead to type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Millions of adults aged 40 to 75 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.
