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Home > Diabetes Center > About Diabetes > Diabetes Mellitus

What Causes it?

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder, resulting from a mistaken attack by the immune system on insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Genetic factors are important in type 2 diabetes.
Obesity predisposes individuals to the development of type 2 diabetes.
Certain drugs, such as corticosteroids or thiazide diuretics, may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Other disorders, such as hemochromatosis, chronic pancreatitis, Cushing's syndrome, or acromegaly, may lead to diabetes. Surgical removal of the pancreas may also lead to diabetes.
Pregnant women may develop diabetes mellitus (gestational diabetes), which may disappear after childbirth; there is an increased risk that these women will subsequently develop type 2 diabetes.
Contrary to popular belief, eating lots of foods rich in sugar does not promote diabetes.

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