Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body is unable to make or regulate blood sugar properly. The exact cause is unknown, but genetic and environmental factors play a part.
Typically, the hormone insulin helps move glucose from your blood to your cells, where it’s used for energy. But with type 2 diabetes, your body’s cells aren’t able to respond to insulin as well as they should. In later stages of the condition, your body may also not produce enough insulin.
There are several possible causes of diabetes, and it’s usually a combination of factors rather than just one.
Lack of insulin production
When insulin-producing cells are damaged or destroyed and stop producing insulin, type 1 diabetes occurs.
Insulin is needed to move blood sugar into cells throughout your body. An insulin deficiency leaves too much sugar in the blood and not enough in the cells for energy.
Insulin resistance
Insulin resistance occurs when insulin is produced normally in the pancreas but your body is still unable to move sugar into cells for fuel. This occurs in type 2 diabetes.
At first, your pancreas will create more insulin to overcome your body’s resistance. Eventually the cells “wear out.” At that point, your body slows insulin production, leaving too much sugar in the blood. This is sometimes known as prediabetes.
Someone with prediabetes has a blood sugar level higher than the normal range but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. Unless tested, you may not be aware, since there are no clear symptoms.
Type 2 diabetes occurs as insulin production continues to decrease and resistance increases.
Read more about symptoms of insulin resistance.
Genetics plays a role in determining how likely you are to develop certain types of diabetes, though researchers don’t fully understand this role.
According to the American Diabetes Association, statistics show that if you have a parent or sibling with diabetes, your odds of developing it yourself increase.
Although research is not conclusive, some ethnic groups seem to have a higher rate of diabetes, including:
- African Americans
- Native Americans
- Asians
- Pacific Islanders
- Hispanic Americans
While there may be a genetic component related to these groups having higher rates of diabetes, it’s important to also acknowledge the disparities these communities may face.
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Genetic conditions like cystic fibrosis and hemochromatosis can both damage the pancreas, leading to a higher likelihood of developing diabetes.
Monogenic forms of diabetes result from single gene mutations. These are rare, accounting for only
A small percentage of pregnant people may develop gestational diabetes. It’s believed that hormones developed in the placenta interfere with the body’s insulin response. This may lead to insulin resistance and high levels of sugar in the blood.
If you develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy, you have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
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Your risk goes up after age 45 in particular. But the incidence of type 2 diabetes is increasing dramatically among children, adolescents, and younger adults. Likely factors include:
- reduced exercise
- decreased muscle mass
- weight gain as you age
Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed by the age of 30.
Excess body fat may cause insulin resistance in some people due to the inflammation that fatty tissue can cause.
Yet many people who have obesity or are overweight never develop diabetes. More research is needed to understand the link between obesity and diabetes.
A diet low in nutrition may contribute to developing type 2 diabetes. A diet high in calories, fats, and cholesterol can increase your body’s resistance to insulin.
Exercise makes muscle tissue respond better to insulin. This is why regular aerobic exercise and resistance training can lower your diabetes risk.
Contact a doctor about an exercise plan that is right for you.
Although rare, certain hormonal conditions can lead to diabetes. These conditions can sometimes cause insulin resistance:
- Cushing syndrome: Cushing syndrome causes high levels of cortisol, which is the stress hormone in your blood. This raises blood glucose levels and may cause diabetes.
- Acromegaly: Acromegaly results when the body makes too much growth hormone. This can lead to excessive weight gain and diabetes if left untreated.
- Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Diabetes is one possible complication of hyperthyroidism.
If you’ve been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, talk with your doctor about developing a treatment plan that works for your lifestyle. Because this condition is so common, there are many resources and first-person accounts to help you on your journey towards managing type 2 diabetes.