The
exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown. In most people with type 1 diabetes,
the body’s own immune system — which normally fights harmful bacteria and
viruses — mistakenly destroys the insulin-producing (islet) cells in the
pancreas. Genetics may play a role in this process, and exposure to certain
environmental factors, such as viruses, may trigger the disease.
exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown. In most people with type 1 diabetes,
the body’s own immune system — which normally fights harmful bacteria and
viruses — mistakenly destroys the insulin-producing (islet) cells in the
pancreas. Genetics may play a role in this process, and exposure to certain
environmental factors, such as viruses, may trigger the disease.
In
type 2 diabetes, there also is a steady decline of beta cells that add to the process of elevated blood
sugar. Essentially, if someone is resistant to insulin, the body can, to some
degree increase production of insulin and overcome the level of the resistance.
After time, if production decreases and insulin cannot be released as vigorously,
hyperglycaemia develops.
type 2 diabetes, there also is a steady decline of beta cells that add to the process of elevated blood
sugar. Essentially, if someone is resistant to insulin, the body can, to some
degree increase production of insulin and overcome the level of the resistance.
After time, if production decreases and insulin cannot be released as vigorously,
hyperglycaemia develops.
