Doctors don't fully understand what the causes of Diabetes are. This disease can be debilitating, especially if not caught early or managed properly. It is important to understand what is known about diabetes and to take proper care of your health in order to prevent its onset, or to keep yourself from experiencing its negative effects if you have already been diagnosed. Below, you will find some causes of diabetes…

Scientists do know that there is a large heredity component to diabetes. It is easy to see patterns in families, even going back to before diabetes was named as a disease or much was understood about it. If someone in your family has the disease, you are 25-33 percent more likely to get it than someone who does not have any occurrences of diabetes in their family.

Diabetic mothers pose special risks for their unborn children. A woman who already has diabetes prior to conception or exhibits signs of gestational diabetes is far more likely to bear children who get diabetes in childhood. Diabetic fathers also risk passing on the disease to their children, but the risk level is not as high as it is for mothers.

While none of these factors is an absolute cause of diabetes, it is especially important to monitor the mother during pregnancy. If the mother's blood sugar is kept at proper levels throughout the pregnancy, she is far less likely to pass diabetes on to her unborn child.

In any case, if your family history suggests you are prone to diabetes, don't panic. The disease is not a death sentence and can be effectively controlled.Scientists are very interested in isolating other genetic factors leading to diabetes, but so far have not been successful. Nor has an absolute cure been found, though a combination of medication and diet changes can allow a diabetic person to lead a normal life.

It is known that the second most important factor besides genetics is a person's diet. Diabetes is often referred to as the "disease of prosperity" because excessive eating is a significant cause of its onset. Over time, ingesting too much sugar, protein, and fat seems to lead to diabetes.

Excessive eating overworks the pancreas, the organ responsible for secreting insulin to keep blood sugar at tolerable levels. When the pancreas is overtaxed for years, it becomes paralyzed and ceases to produce insulin.. Interestingly, people in poor countries where overeating is very uncommon rarely contract diabetes.

While genetics and diet are probably not the only causes of diabetes, they certainly play a major role in the onset of the disease. Whether or not you believe you are at risk for diabetes, you should follow a healthy diet and exercise plan and learn about your family history so you can prevent the onset of diabetes.

Extras: Can you die from diabetes