One of the main causes of diabetes is an unhealthy lifestyle. Unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as a lack of physical activity, poor dietary choices, and smoking, can increase the risk of developing diabetes. Poor dietary choices, such as eating too many processed foods, can lead to weight gain, which can put added stress on the body's insulin production. Lack of physical activity can also lead to weight gain, as well as interfere with the body's ability to process glucose properly. Smoking can increase the risk of diabetes by reducing the body's ability to produce insulin.
Genetics can also play a role in the development of diabetes. Having a family history of diabetes increases the risk of developing the disease. People with certain ethnic backgrounds, such as African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Asians, are more likely to develop diabetes.
Another cause of diabetes is the presence of certain conditions, such as obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. These conditions can put added stress on the body's insulin production and can lead to diabetes.
Finally, some medications, such as steroids and antipsychotics, can increase the risk of developing diabetes. These medications can interfere with the body's ability to process glucose properly and can lead to the onset of diabetes.