The causes of diabetes are complex and only partly understood. Complicating the picture even further is the fact that there are multiple types, each with its own risk factors. Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are the most common, encompassing about 97% or more of cases in the U.S. Each results from a combination of environmental and genetic influences.

Type 2 diabetes is by far the most prevalent, accounting for 90% of all cases.

A major factor in Type 2 is thought to be obesity. Obesity itself results from both lifestyle choices and genetic factors, so it is a good model for a cause of diabetes. Some individuals naturally shed weight more easily or put on pounds more quickly than others do, but lifestyle choices obviously play a distinct role in obesity.

Besides obesity, there are many additional factors.

Gestational diabetes (diabetes that occurs during pregnancy) can add to your future risk of Type 2 diabetes, even though the condition disappears after delivery. Approximately 40 % of women who experience gestational diabetes will develop Type 2 diabetes. Usually this happens 5-10 years after they give birth. Large babies indicate a greater risk of diabetes for the mother.

Genetics also influences glucose intolerance. It makes sense that glucose intolerance contributes to Type 2, since Type 2 is due to improper use of insulin, instead of insufficient insulin (Type1). Because glucose is the body’s primary source of energy it is odd that this condition exists. Strange problems arise with genetic abnormalities.

Another risk factor of Type 2 diabetes is ethnicity. The reasons for this are not understood. Some Asians, as well as Africans, Latin Americans, and Aboriginals are at higher risk. One Canadian study found that these groups have from a risk level of 1.5 to 2 times higher than Caucasians. However, Caucasians are at greater risk for developing Type 1 diabetes than other groups are.

Having high blood pressure raises the odds, too. That again is partly a lifestyle (chiefly, diet and exercise) choice but it has a strong genetic aspect as well. There’s a strong correlation between those with high blood pressure and those who will develop diabetes. Similarly, high cholesterol levels increase the risk. Over 40% of those with diabetes have higher than average levels of cholesterol in the blood.

The largest genetic risk factor is likely a family history of diabetes.

Someone with a sibling or a parent with Type 1 diabetes has as a 10-20 times higher risk than the average person of developing the disease. Babies of mothers under the age of 25 have a 1 in 25 chance of developing diabetes if one of their parents has the condition. Babies born to mother older than 25, have about a 1% chance of developing diabetes if one of the parents has it; this is about the same risk as the general population. If the parents were younger than age 11 when they developed the diabetes, their baby’s chance of getting diabetes rises to 10%.

Researchers are diligently studying the genetic risk factors for diabetes. In the past there was little that could be done to prevent these risks. Someday soon, genetic treatments may prevent genetic diabetes.