The Main Causes of Diabetes, what are they?

Medical research into diabetes mellitus is ever-increasing all the time. Despite this no one really knows what specifically may cause diabetes. This has led to a number of rumours circulating some which are partially genuine as well as others which hold absolutely no truth in any way. In this article I will be discussing what is actually known about the causes of diabetes mellitus.

1) GENERAL CAUSES:- We realise that diabetes develops as a result of your body’s cells not getting adequate insulin (a hormone which helps convert blood sugar/glucose into energy). This is usually because your trusty pancreas fails to generate adequate insulin or alternatively because your body’s cells begin to resist insulin. Although we understand what leads to the progression of diabetes we do not currently know why this occurs in certain people and not others.

2) GESTATIONAL DIABETES (GDM):- Once again we do not know the exact reasons for GDM even though it is strongly linked with hormonal transformations that occur within the the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. During this time the placenta supplies bodily hormones which block out the normal action of insulin to make sure that the growing fetus receives adequate glucose. This causes pregnant women’s insulin needs to increase by 2 or 3 times the standard rate. Failing to meet this requirement leads to the onset of GDM. Approximately 5% of women that are pregnant develop GDM and although we certainly have a good idea of what causes it, we do not know exactly why it has an effect on certain women and not others. There are a number of associated risk factors although presently no definitive reason.

3) TYPE 1 DIABETES:- Type 1 diabetes mellitus is caused by damage to the pancreas as the reaction to an auto-immune attack whereas the body’s immune system starts to attack the insulin producing beta cells of the pancreas. Once more, whilst we know what causes type 1 diabetes we are still unsure what triggers this response. A number of suggestions have already been put forward (including viral infections and faulty nerves) but at this time none of these suggestions can be applied the world over.

4) TYPE 2 DIABETES AND PRE-DIABETES:- Pre-diabetes is an early form of type 2 diabetes and the factors that cause each are really similar. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the human body stops responding to insulin. The pancreas responds by creating substantially more insulin and the liver reacts by releasing additional glucose. Over time this limits the effectiveness of the pancreas and further increases insulin level of resistance in the body. Just like the other forms of diabetes we are not aware of what can cause the above reaction. However, there is very strong evidence that type 2 diabetes is linked to age, ethnicity, family history, dormancy and obesity.

5) RUMOURS:- Considering the fact that the precise cause of diabetes is unknown, there are lots of false suggestions lingering around. These include diabetes being contagious (there is certainly a hereditary component however it cannot be transferred directly from individual to individual), diabetes being a result of sugar (excessive sugar consumption does not cause diabetes but is linked with excessive weight, a diabetes risk factor) and everyday stress causing diabetes (stress can exacerbate the condition in diabetics but there is currently no evidence that it brings about diabetes).

Currently, we certainly have a general knowledge about what happens inside the human body to cause diabetes mellitus. On the other hand, the trigger behind these causes remains to be a mystery. Possibly the strongest link is that between dormancy, obesity and type 2 diabetes but even this really does not completely explain exactly why some obese individuals never develop the disease. As research into the factors that cause diabetes continues, the best advice would be to try and maintain your blood glucose levels within an acceptable range. Trying to keep your unwanted weight under control, exercising on a regular basis and eating a balanced and healthy diet can all play their part in this process.