causes of diabetes mellitus

Question

I’ve recently been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, and I’ve been struggling to understand what might have led to this condition. My doctor explained that diabetes is a metabolic disorder, but I’m still unclear about the exact causes and risk factors. I’ve heard that there are two main types of diabetes—Type 1 and Type 2—and I’m curious to know how these different types are caused and how they affect the body. I’ve been doing some research, but there’s so much information, and I’d really appreciate a clearer understanding of how diabetes mellitus develops.

From what I’ve gathered, diabetes mellitus occurs when the body is unable to properly regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels, either because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin (in Type 1) or the body becomes resistant to insulin (in Type 2). But what exactly causes the pancreas to stop producing insulin in Type 1 diabetes? Is it an autoimmune response, where the body attacks its own cells, or is it something else? And with Type 2 diabetes, how does insulin resistance develop? Is it primarily related to lifestyle factors like diet and lack of exercise, or are there genetic factors that play a role?

I’m also curious about the role of genetics in diabetes mellitus. My family has a history of diabetes, and I’ve heard that having a family member with the condition can increase my risk. Does this mean that diabetes mellitus can be passed down through generations, or are lifestyle and environmental factors more influential in its development? If both my parents have Type 2 diabetes, does that significantly increase my chances of developing it as well?

In addition to genetics, I’ve read that lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and body weight can also play a huge role in the development of diabetes mellitus, especially Type 2. I’m wondering how closely related obesity is to Type 2 diabetes. If I maintain a healthy weight and eat a balanced diet, can I reduce my risk of developing diabetes, even if I have a genetic predisposition? And for those who already have Type 2 diabetes, how important is it to make these changes to control blood sugar levels and prevent complications?

I’ve also heard about other potential causes of diabetes mellitus, like stress or certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Are these conditions really linked to diabetes mellitus, and if so, how do they contribute to the development of the disease? Can managing these conditions reduce the risk of developing diabetes, or are they just additional risk factors that increase the chances?

Has anyone here been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus? What were the causes or risk factors that contributed to your diagnosis, and how did you manage or change your lifestyle to control the condition? What treatments or medications worked best for you?

Dr Sujal Patil · Answer

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that occurs when the body is unable to properly regulate blood sugar levels due to issues with insulin production or insulin resistance. There are two main types: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, leading to little or no insulin production. This form is often diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood and is not linked to lifestyle factors. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is more common and occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough to maintain normal glucose levels. This type is strongly influenced by lifestyle factors such as diet, lack of exercise, and obesity, but genetic predisposition also plays a role.

Genetics and family history can significantly impact the risk of developing diabetes, especially Type 2 diabetes. If one or both parents have diabetes, the likelihood of developing the condition is higher, but it is not purely hereditary. Lifestyle choices play a major role—even with a genetic predisposition, maintaining a healthy weight, balanced diet, and regular exercise can help delay or prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes. Obesity, especially excess fat around the abdomen, increases insulin resistance, making it a major risk factor. Other conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are also linked to insulin resistance and can increase the risk of diabetes. Managing these conditions through lifestyle changes and medication can reduce the likelihood of developing diabetes.

For those already diagnosed with diabetes, lifestyle modifications are crucial in managing blood sugar levels and preventing complications. Eating a low-glycemic diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce dependence on medications. Stress management is also essential, as chronic stress can increase cortisol levels, which negatively impacts blood sugar control. While medications like metformin, insulin therapy, and newer drugs help regulate glucose levels, they work best when combined with a healthy lifestyle.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder where the body struggles to regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels, either because the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin (in Type 1) or the body becomes resistant to insulin (in Type 2). In Type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, which is why insulin production ceases. The exact cause of this autoimmune response is not fully understood but is believed to involve genetic and environmental triggers, such as viral infections. In Type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance develops over time, often linked to lifestyle factors like poor diet, lack of physical activity, and obesity. However, genetics also play a significant role, and if your parents have Type 2 diabetes, your risk is higher. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and staying active can help reduce your risk, even if you have a genetic predisposition. For those already diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, lifestyle changes are crucial to managing blood sugar levels and preventing complications. Conditions like obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are often associated with diabetes and can increase the risk, so managing these conditions is important to reduce the chances of developing diabetes or its complications. Stress can also impact blood sugar regulation, though it’s more of a contributing factor than a direct cause. As for treatment, managing diabetes often involves medication (like insulin for Type 1 or oral medications for Type 2), along with ongoing lifestyle adjustments. Regular monitoring of blood sugar and a well-rounded treatment plan tailored to your needs is essential for effective management.

causes of diabetes mellitus - #17424

Doctors’ responses

If you need a detailed answer, ask the Ayurvedic doctor your question

About our doctors

Related questions