What are the causes of diabetes?
Genetic factors
Genetic factors play an important role in the occurrence of type 1 diabetes. More than 50 genetic variants have been found to be associated with genetic susceptibility to type 1 diabetes. The occurrence of type 2 diabetes is also related to genetic factors. Currently, more than 400 genetic variants have been found to be associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes or hyperglycemia.
Environmental factors
The environmental factors associated with the occurrence of type 1 diabetes are unknown. Viral infection may be one of the environmental causes of type 1 diabetes, including rubella virus, mumps virus, coxsackie virus, etc. These viruses can directly damage pancreatic beta cells and can initiate autoimmune reactions to further damage pancreatic beta cells. Some chemical poisons, such as rodenticide-pyriminil, can also lead to the destruction of pancreatic beta cells, thereby inducing type 1 diabetes. Environmental factors are particularly important in the occurrence of type 2 diabetes, including aging, modern lifestyle, overnutrition, lack of physical activity, etc.
Autoimmune system defects
Under the combined effects of environmental and genetic factors, the immune system attacks the pancreatic cells that produce insulin, which is called autoimmunity, leading to damage and disappearance of pancreatic β cells and ultimately reducing or lacking insulin secretion.