How does diabetes mellitus occur?
For those living with type 1 diabetes, diabetes mellitus occurs when the body does not make enough insulin to regulate glucose levels. For those living with type 2 diabetes, the body loses the ability to produce insulin over time and in the early stages does not respond properly to insulin. Diabetes mellitus includes both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, but the causes of both types of diabetes are different.
In type 1 diabetes mellitus, the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. Experts agree it's a combination of genetics and environmental causes, such as viruses, that may trigger an immune response.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus can be caused by several factors, including genetics and lifestyle. Those who are overweight or inactive may be at risk for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus, especially if there is a family history of the condition. As well, those with insulin resistance conditions or a family history of diabetes are also at risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus.
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