There are two types of Diabetes that are most common. These are known as Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Before we take a look at what causes Diabetes we need to know a little more about the types.

Type 1 diabetes

This is actually an autoimmune disease that on average affects about 0.3% of the population. It happens because the beta cells of your body get attacked. Researchers, at this point, think that the reasons people get Type 1 Diabetes are factors that include poor diet, environment (such as a virus that attacks the pancreas) and genetic factors. There is also in most cases of Type 1 diabetes an abnormal secretion of certain hormones- these antagonize the insulin.

Type 2 diabetes

This is also known as the non-insulin dependent diabetes. This happens when your body cannot utilize the insulin your body makes in the correct way. Generally type 2 diabetes happens in mid life. It has been observed that a massive 80% of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight. Following are the cause of diabetes.

Inherited or Hereditary

It seems to be that some people can be more susceptible to diabetes if a family member has it. For reasons currently unknown, if your mother has diabetes you only have a 2-3% chance of getting it. However if your father has it, the percentage is higher. If both your parents are diabetic then of course the chances are much higher again.

Age

As you get older, the risk of you getting diabetes increases. Although you can get diabetes at any age, 80% of cases are in people over the age of 50. This increases as the person ages.

Food And Diet

If you have a poor diet, particularly low nutrition, low fiber and low protein then you are at a higher risk of diabetes.

Obesity

If you are overweight, then you have a higher risk of getting diabetes as you have a chance of insulin resistance. If your body fat is higher than 30% or your waist measures over 35 inches in women and 50 inches in men, then the risk is great.

Lack Of Exercise

It has been found that those who do not exercise are at more of a risk of diabetes than those that do.

Stress

Whether this is through emotional stress or an injury this can affect your chances of getting diabetes. The key is to try and lead a less stressful life.

Drugs

There are some drugs that have been found to increase the likelihood of diabetes. These include Risperidone, Clozpine, Ziprasidone and Olanzapine.

Infection

There are infections such as those of the strephylococci strains that can induce diabetes in some people.

Hypertension

It has been recently found that if you have hypertension you are more likely to get diabetes.

Serum Lipoproteins

If you have high cholesterol or triglycerides in your blood this can mean you have high blood sugars.

Whilst there are some things that you cannot avoid such as gender and illnesses it is important to ensure you maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly to avoid the onset of diabetes.