Type 2 Causes

The exact causes of type 2 diabetes aren't completely understood, but it is known that the disease has a strong hereditary component. Individuals who have a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes have 10 to 15% chance of developing the disease (the risk is much higher if the sibling is an identical twin). Environmental factors like an inactive lifestyle or poor diet may act as a trigger for someone with a genetic tendency towards type 2 diabetes. Other potential causes of type 2 include chronic stress, low birth weight, and gene mutations.

Risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes include:

• Overweight or obesity. Having a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or more
• Heredity. Having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes
• Ethnicity. Being of African American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Latino American descent
• Gestational diabetes. A history of gestational diabetes, or having at least one baby weighing more than 9 pounds at birth
• Hypertension. High blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or higher
• Poor cholesterol profile. HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol) levels of 35 or lower and/or triglyceride levels of 250 or higher
• Inactivity. Living a sedentary lifestyle (i.e.,exercising less than three times a week)
• Being an older adult. Approximately 18.4% of Americans over age 65 have type 2 diabetes
• Having diagnosed prediabetes