Diabetes is a condition that occurs when the blood sugar (glucose) is too high. There are several forms of diabetes, but the most common are type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The causes of diabetes depend on the type of diabetes you have, and there is no common cause that fits every type of diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. Researchers think that genes or the environment may be responsible for triggering type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is caused by several factors, including obesity, ethnic background, a family history of type 2 diabetes, and other environmental factors. Being overweight and inactive are key contributing factors. Type 2 diabetes is the result of not enough insulin being made in the pancreas, and insulin resistance when the body isn’t able to use the insulin it makes.

Other factors that may cause diabetes include genetic mutations, other diseases, damage to the pancreas, certain medications, and hormonal changes during pregnancy.

In summary, the causes of diabetes are complex and depend on the type of diabetes you have. While some factors, such as genetics, cannot be controlled, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active can help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.