Diabetes Mellitus - Causes



The causes of diabetes mellitus are unclear. Both heredity and environment may be involved. Studies have shown that certain genetic factors may be responsible for diabetes. Genes are chemical units found in all cells, that tell cells what functions they should perform. Genes are passed down from parents to children. If parents carry a gene for diabetes, they may pass that gene on to their children.

Some researchers believe that Type I diabetes may also be caused by a virus or some other disease-causing organism. They think the organism may attack the pancreas at an early age. The pancreas may be damaged and lose its ability to produce insulin.

Kaitlyn Bubb, age 7, watches her friend Ivan Kotunov, age 13, perform a blood sugar test. Both children have diabetes. (Reproduced by permission of AP/Wide World Photos)
Kaitlyn Bubb, age 7, watches her friend Ivan Kotunov, age 13, perform a blood sugar test. Both children have diabetes. (Reproduced by permission of
AP/Wide World Photos
)

A number of factors have been tied to Type II diabetes. These factors include:

  • Obesity (being excessively overweight, see obesity entry)
  • Having relatives with diabetes mellitus
  • Belonging to certain high-risk populations, such as African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanics, or Native Hawaiians
  • Having high blood pressure (see hypertension entry)
  • Having an excess or deficiency of certain substances in the blood, such as cholesterol or triglycerides (a form of fat)

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