Causes of Diabetes

No one is sure what causes diabetes. But research has shown that the risk of diabetes may be higher for some people. Risk factors include:

• a history of diabetes in the family
• being overweight
• being inactive
• being over age 45
• being of African, Asian, Hispanic, Native American or Pacific Islander heritage
• high blood pressure
• exposure to certain viruses that damage the pancreas
• a history of gestational diabetes or having delivered a baby weighing over 9 lbs.