WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF DIABETES?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels. The main types of diabetes—Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes—have different causes:

1. Type 1 Diabetes (Autoimmune Condition)

🔹 Cause: The immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
🔹 Risk Factors:
✅ Genetic predisposition
✅ Viral infections (e.g., Coxsackievirus, enteroviruses)
✅ Environmental triggers (e.g., toxins)
🔹 Who It Affects: Usually diagnosed in children or young adults but can occur at any age.

2. Type 2 Diabetes (Lifestyle & Genetic Factors)

🔹 Cause: The body becomes resistant to insulin, and the pancreas cannot produce enough to compensate.
🔹 Risk Factors:
✅ Poor diet (high sugar, processed foods, unhealthy fats)
✅ Obesity (especially belly fat)
✅ Sedentary lifestyle (lack of exercise)
✅ Family history of diabetes
✅ High blood pressure or cholesterol
✅ Age (more common after 45 but increasing in younger people)

🔹 Who It Affects: Primarily adults but is increasingly seen in younger people due to lifestyle changes.

3. Gestational Diabetes (During Pregnancy)

🔹 Cause: Hormonal changes make the body resistant to insulin.
🔹 Risk Factors:
✅ Overweight before pregnancy
✅ Family history of diabetes
✅ Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
✅ Older maternal age

🔹 Who It Affects: Pregnant women, with a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later.

4. Prediabetes (Early Warning Stage)

🔹 Cause: Blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as Type 2 diabetes.
🔹 Risk Factors: Same as Type 2 diabetes (obesity, inactivity, poor diet, family history).
🔹 Who It Affects: People at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

💡 Good News: Prediabetes can often be reversed with lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, and weight management.

Other Less Common Types of Diabetes

• MODY (Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young): Genetic mutation affecting insulin production.
• LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults): A slow-progressing form of Type 1 diabetes in adults.
• Secondary Diabetes: Caused by other health conditions (e.g., pancreatic disease, Cushing’s syndrome, steroid use).

How to Lower Your Risk of Type 2 Diabetes?

✅ Eat a balanced diet (high in fiber, low in processed carbs and sugar).
✅ Exercise regularly (at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week).
✅ Maintain a healthy weight (especially reducing belly fat).
✅ Monitor blood sugar levels if at risk.
✅ Get enough sleep and manage stress.