MAIN Health Diseases & Conditions Diabetes Diabetes Causes

What causes diabetes?

In short, no one knows exactly.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes seen in adults, and the official research points mainly to a sendentary lifestyle, poor diet and obesity.

However, the underlying cause - some researchers believe - points to a prime suspect: that is, high sugar content in the foods and especially the soft drinks we consume.

Faced with high levels of sugar, the pancreas has to secrete large amounts of insulin into the bloodstream which helps convert the sugar to energy (commonly, a "sugar rush") used by the body's tissues. With regular overconsumption of sugar, the pancreas eventually becomes overworked and unable to produce enough insulin to match the sugar entering the system. The result? Dangerously high blood sugar levels, a hallmark of diabetes.

Yet, no matter what the cause, a balanced diet and exercise remain one of the best preventatives against the disease, which as grown to epidemic proportions in the U.S. where an estimated 20 million Americans are now diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

More uncommonly, Type 1 or juvenile diabetes usually develops in children or young adults, which scientist studies reveal may be due to autoimmune or genetic factors.

Gestational diabetes is thought to be caused by weight gain and unusually high hormonal levels which occur during pregnancy.

On the Web, find out more about the causes of diabetes in all its forms including current research and information relating to diet, obesity, genetics, as well as age and ethnicity ...

Diabetes risk factors & prevention - Detailed FAQ with information on type 2 diabetes, causes & risk factors, dietary patterns associated with developing the disease, plus related facts on medications and prevention.

Type 2 Diabetes - What Causes Diabetes - General overview with a discussion on the typical causes with links to more informaton on genetic factors, ethnicity and gestational diabetes.

Am I at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes? - Advice on prevention and risk factors, lifestyle changes that help reduce risk, with descriptions of diabetes and pre-diabetes symptoms.

Diabetes and Obesity - Information on findings from controlled clinical trials to determine the effect of weight loss on fasting blood glucose and fasting insulin levels, with related links to more information on the link between obesity and diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes Info-sheet for seniors - How minor symptoms can grow into full-scale diabetes as we grow older including information on warning signs, diagnosis and minimizing risks, related links.

Frequently Asked Questions - Groups Especially Affected by Diabetes - What research reveals to be the causes of diabetes that targets ethnic groups, with related information on gestational diabetes and an extensive collection of related links.

What Causes Diabetes During Pregnancy? - The topic briefly discussed with information on how it happens, who is most at risk, facts on glucose tests, related links.

Diabetes Myths - No, it's not contagious - and other common beliefs about diabetes explained, from the American Diabetes Association.

also see -> B-Complex | Diet | Nutrition | Gestational Diabetes

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This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice.
All treatment decisions should be made by medical professionals.