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The causes of diabetes mellitus are unclear,
however, there seem to be both hereditary (genetic factors passed on
in families), and environmental factors involved. Research has shown
that some people who develop diabetes have common genetic markers.
In Type I diabetes, the immune system, the body's defense system
against infection, is believed to be triggered by a virus or another
microorganism to destroy the cells in the pancreas that produce
insulin. In Type II diabetes, age, obesity, and family history of
diabetes play a roll.
In Type II diabetes, the pancreas may produce enough insulin,
however, cells have become resistant to the insulin produced and it
may not work as effectively. Symptoms of Type II diabetes can begin
so gradually that a person may not know that they have it. Early
signs are tiredness, extreme thirst, and frequent urination. Other
symptoms may include sudden weight loss, slow wound healing, urinary
tract infections, gum disease, or blurred vision. It is not unusual
for Type II diabetes to be detected while a patient is seeing a
doctor about another health concern that is actually being caused by
the yet undiagnosed diabetes.
Individuals who are at high risk of developing Type II diabetes
mellitus include people who:
Are obese (more than 20% above their ideal body weight)
Have a relative with diabetes mellitus
Belong to a high-risk ethnic population (African-American, Native
American, Hispanic, or Native Hawaiian)
Have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes or have delivered a
baby weighing more than 9 lbs (4 kg)
Have high blood pressure (140/90 mmHg or above)
Have a high density lipoprotein cholesterol level less than or equal
to 35 mg/dL and/or a triglyceride level greater than or equal to 250
mg/dL
Have had impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose on
previous testing.
Several common medications can impair the body's use of insulin,
causing a condition known as secondary diabetes. These medications
include treatments for high blood pressure (furosemide, clonidine,
and thiazide diuretics), drugs with hormonal activity (oral
contraceptives, thyroid hormone, progestins, and glucocorticorids),
and the anti-inflammation drug indomethacin. Several drugs that are
used to treat mood disorders (such as anxiety and depression) can
also impair glucose absorption. These drugs include haloperidol,
lithium carbonate, phenothiazines, tricyclic antidepressants, and
adrenergic agonists. Other medications that can cause diabetes
symptoms include isoniazid, nicotinic acid, cimetidine, and heparin. |
