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If you’re here reading this, it’s probably because you or someone you care about is worried about diabetes, or maybe you just want to be better informed. Perhaps you’ve noticed some warning signs, or you simply want to understand what really causes diabetes so you can protect yourself and your loved ones. I understand hearing the word diabetes can feel heavy and even a bit scary.
The truth is, most people know diabetes has to do with high blood sugar, but they don’t fully understand why it happens in the first place. That’s what this guide will help you with.
After speaking with a health professional, Dr. Babatunde, we’ve broken down the causes of diabetes in simple terms, explained the different types, and outlined the risk factors that make it more likely. By the end, you’ll not only understand the science behind it, but also have a clearer idea of how to lower your chances of getting it — or manage it better if you already live with it.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a health condition that happens when your body struggles to control the amount of sugar in your blood. Normally, after you eat, your body breaks down food into glucose (a type of sugar) which gives you energy. Insulin, a hormone made in the pancreas, helps move this sugar from your blood into your cells.
When diabetes develops, either your body doesn’t make enough insulin, or it can’t use the insulin properly. As a result, sugar builds up in the blood instead of being used for energy.
When blood sugar stays high for too long, it can quietly damage important organs like your heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. This is why diabetes is not something to take lightly.
Right now, diabetes is one of the fastest-growing health problems in the world. According to the World Health Organization, more than 400 million people live with it, and the numbers keep rising each year.
Understanding the causes of diabetes is the first step to protecting yourself and your loved ones.
Major Causes of Diabetes by Type
Causes of Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is less common than type 2, but it often shows up earlier in life. Unlike type 2, it’s not linked to lifestyle habits like diet or exercise. Instead, one of the major causes of diabetes in this case is the body’s own defense system mistakenly turning against itself.
- Autoimmune response
In type 1 diabetes, the immune system, which normally protects you from infections, mistakenly attacks the beta cells in your pancreas that produce insulin. Over time, these cells are destroyed, and the body can no longer make the insulin it needs. Without insulin, sugar builds up in the blood instead of being used for energy.
- Genetic predisposition and family history
Having a close relative with type 1 diabetes increases your chances of developing it. However, not everyone with a family history will get the disease. It’s more like a higher risk than a guarantee.
- Viral and environmental triggers
Research shows that certain viral infections may play a role in triggering type 1 diabetes in people who are already at risk. The idea is that the virus confuses the immune system, pushing it to attack the insulin-producing cells. Environmental factors: where you live and your exposure to certain conditions can also influence the risk.
- Age and onset factors
Type 1 diabetes can appear at any age, but it’s most often diagnosed in children, teenagers, and young adults. One of the common causes of diabetes in younger people is this form, which is why it’s sometimes called “juvenile diabetes,” even though adults can get it too.
Causes of Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form, and unlike type 1, it usually develops later in life, although more young people are now being diagnosed. Among the leading causes of diabetes in this form are lifestyle habits such as poor diet and inactivity, though family history and age also play a big role.
- Insulin resistance explained
In type 2 diabetes, the body still produces insulin, but the cells don’t respond to it the way they should. This is called insulin resistance. Imagine having the right key but the lock no longer turns easily, the sugar stays in the blood instead of moving into the cells. Over time, the pancreas struggles to keep up, and blood sugar levels rise.
- Obesity and visceral fat as key drivers
Being overweight, especially around the belly area, is one of the strongest risk factors. Fat stored deep inside the abdomen (called visceral fat) can release substances that make the body more resistant to insulin. Not everyone who is overweight will get diabetes, but the risk increases the more weight is carried in the midsection.
- Sedentary lifestyle and poor diet
A lifestyle with little physical activity combined with a diet high in processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats makes it much easier for diabetes to develop. Regular movement helps the body use insulin better, so being inactive gives insulin resistance more room to grow.
- Family history and ethnicity
Having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes raises your chances of developing it. Certain groups, including Africans, Asians, and Hispanics, are also more likely to get it, showing that the causes of diabetes often involve both genetics and environment.
- Hormonal imbalances and age factors
As people get older, their bodies naturally become less sensitive to insulin. Hormonal changes linked to stress, menopause, or conditions such as PCOS can also contribute to insulin resistance.
- Causes of Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that shows up during pregnancy, even in women who never had blood sugar problems before. It usually goes away after delivery, but it can still affect both mother and baby if not managed well.
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy
During pregnancy, the body produces more hormones to help the baby grow. Some of these hormones make it harder for insulin to work properly, leading to higher blood sugar levels. For most women, the body adjusts by producing extra insulin, but when it can’t keep up, gestational diabetes develops.
- Risk factors like PCOS or past gestational diabetes
Women who’ve had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy are more likely to experience it again. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is linked to hormonal imbalance, also raise the risk.
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Other Rare Causes of Diabetes
While type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes are the most common forms, there are other, less common causes of diabetes you should know about.
- Genetic mutations (MODY, neonatal diabetes)
Some people develop diabetes because of specific gene changes. For example, MODY (Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young) usually runs in families and often shows up before the age of 25. Neonatal diabetes, on the other hand, is diagnosed in babies younger than six months.
- Pancreatic diseases
The pancreas is the organ that produces insulin, so any long-term damage to it can cause diabetes. Conditions like chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, or cystic fibrosis can reduce insulin production and lead to high blood sugar.
- Endocrine disorders
Certain hormone-related conditions can also trigger diabetes. For example, Cushing’s syndrome (too much cortisol), acromegaly (excess growth hormone), or thyroid problems can interfere with how insulin works and cause blood sugar to rise.
- Long-term use of medications
Some medicines, when taken over a long period, can make it harder for the body to control blood sugar. Corticosteroids (often prescribed for inflammation) and certain HIV drugs are known examples.
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Risk Factors That Make You More Likely to Develop Diabetes
Even though anyone can develop diabetes, some people face a higher risk than others. Understanding these risk factors is important because it helps you know where to pay extra attention and take preventive steps where possible.
- Age brackets most at risk: The older you get, the higher your risk for type 2 diabetes. It’s especially common after age 45, though more young people are being diagnosed now because of changes in lifestyle.
- Family history: If your parents or siblings have diabetes, your chances of developing it are higher. Genetics don’t guarantee you’ll get it, but they do raise the risk significantly.
- Race and ethnicity: Studies show that Africans, Asians, and Hispanics are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than many other groups. This can be due to both genetic factors and lifestyle patterns common in these populations.
- Lifestyle habits: Smoking, poor sleep, high stress, and eating unhealthy foods regularly all make diabetes more likely. These habits affect how well your body uses insulin and can also lead to weight gain, which increases risk even further.
- Pregnancy-related risks: Women who have had gestational diabetes, or who give birth to very large babies (over 4kg), are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life. Conditions like PCOS can also raise the risk.
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Myths About the Causes of Diabetes
When it comes to diabetes, there are plenty of myths that make people confused or even feel guilty. Let’s clear up some of the most common ones so you have the facts.
1. Eating too much sugar is not the sole cause
You might have heard that eating a lot of sugar directly causes diabetes. The truth is, it’s not that simple. Consistently eating too much sugar can lead to weight gain, which increases your risk, but sugar alone isn’t the only reason diabetes develops. Other factors like genetics, insulin resistance, and lifestyle play big roles too.
2. Stress alone doesn’t cause diabetes
While stress can temporarily raise blood sugar levels and make it harder to manage diabetes, stress by itself doesn’t cause the condition. However, chronic stress may lead to unhealthy habits like overeating, smoking, or poor sleep, which can increase the risk over time.
3. Thin people can also develop diabetes
A common belief is that only overweight people get diabetes. That’s not true. While being overweight raises the risk, thin people can still develop type 1 or type 2 diabetes due to genetics, autoimmune conditions, or other health factors.
Warning Signs Linked to Diabetes Causes
Knowing the early warning signs of diabetes can make a big difference. The sooner it’s spotted, the sooner you can take action to prevent complications.
Early symptoms tied to high blood sugar
Some of the first signs are easy to miss because they may seem harmless at first. Look out for things like:
- Feeling unusually thirsty all the time
- Needing to urinate more often, especially at night
- Feeling very tired, even after resting
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing cuts or frequent infections
When to see a doctor
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important not to ignore them. Book a check-up with your doctor so they can run a simple blood sugar test. Early detection can prevent serious problems later on.
Special signs in men, women, and children
- Men: may notice issues like reduced sex drive or erectile problems because of nerve and blood vessel damage from high blood sugar.
- Women: might experience frequent yeast infections or urinary tract infections. Hormonal changes can also make symptoms harder to spot.
- Children and teens: may show sudden weight loss, bed-wetting (after being dry at night before), or unusual mood changes if they develop type 1 diabetes.
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Can You Prevent Diabetes?
One of the most important questions people ask after learning about diabetes is, “Can I prevent it?” The answer depends on the type of diabetes.
Lifestyle changes for Type 2 and gestational diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is often preventable. Simple but consistent habits like eating balanced meals, staying active, keeping a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking can lower your risk. For women, managing weight before and during pregnancy can also reduce the chances of gestational diabetes. Even small changes, like walking daily or swapping sugary drinks for water, can make a real difference over time.
Why Type 1 can’t be prevented (yet)
Unlike type 2, type 1 diabetes happens because the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells. Right now, there’s no proven way to prevent it. Scientists are studying treatments that might delay or reduce the risk, but nothing is certain yet.
Screening and early diagnosis
Even if you can’t fully prevent diabetes, catching it early can protect you from complications. If you have risk factors like family history, being overweight or having gestational diabetes, it’s a good idea to check your blood sugar regularly. Early detection gives you more control over your health.
If diabetes runs in your family, it doesn’t mean you’re destined to get it. Dr. Babatunde explains that small, consistent choices in your everyday life can go a long way in lowering your risk.
For someone with a family history of diabetes, Dr Babatunde says adopting these daily habits can help reduce their risk
- Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes per week.
- A balanced diet with whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Staying hydrated
- Getting enough sleep (7–8 hours per night)
The Role of the Public Health Sector in Tackling Diabetes
Preventing diabetes isn’t only about what individuals do; the wider health system has a big role to play.
Dr. Babatunde explains that the public health sector can make a real difference by increasing awareness about prevention and management, and also supporting much-needed research on diabetes in Nigeria.
“The public health sector can increase awareness about diabetes prevention and management, provide accessible and affordable screening and treatment services, promote healthy lifestyle choices through education and community programs, and support research on diabetes in Nigeria,” he concluded.
5 Questions People Have About the Causes of Diabetes
1. Can stress cause diabetes?
Stress by itself doesn’t directly cause diabetes. However, ongoing stress can raise certain hormone levels that affect blood sugar and may push someone already at risk closer to developing type 2 diabetes. Stress also often leads to habits like poor sleep, overeating, or smoking, which increase risk.
2. Does eating too much sugar directly cause diabetes?
No, eating sugar alone doesn’t directly cause diabetes. But regularly consuming sugary foods and drinks can lead to weight gain and insulin resistance, which are major risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
3. Can diabetes be caused by lack of sleep?
Yes, poor sleep over time can raise the risk of type 2 diabetes. Not getting enough rest affects hormones that control hunger and blood sugar, making it harder for your body to use insulin properly.
4. Is diabetes hereditary or environmental?
It can be both. Having a family history of diabetes increases your risk, but lifestyle and environmental factors — like diet, physical activity, and stress levels — also play a big part. Most people develop diabetes from a mix of genetic and environmental factors.
5. What is the most common cause of diabetes worldwide?
The most common cause is insulin resistance linked to type 2 diabetes. Factors like being overweight, physical inactivity, and poor diet drive the majority of cases globally.
Final Thoughts
Diabetes may sound overwhelming, but understanding the causes of diabetes is the first step to protecting yourself and your loved ones.
We’ve looked at how type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes develop, as well as the risk factors and myths that often confuse people.
The key thing to remember is this: while you can’t change factors like your age or family history, you can take charge of your lifestyle.
“If I could tell every Nigerian one thing about preventing diabetes, it would be: adopt a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity and a balanced diet, to significantly reduce your risk of developing diabetes.” — Dr. Babatunde
If you suspect you might be at risk, don’t wait. Book a simple blood sugar test and talk with your doctor. Early diagnosis and the right lifestyle changes can prevent complications and help you live a healthier life.
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