What are the causes of diabetes?

Under normal circumstances, diabetes mellitus can develop due to factors such as age and environment, genetic predisposition, autoimmune destruction, insulin resistance, and dysfunction of pancreatic beta cells. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation and establish a professional treatment plan under a doctor's guidance. Detailed information is as follows:

1. Age and environmental factors: With advancing age, the body's physiological functions gradually decline, including those of pancreatic beta cells. Their ability to secrete insulin diminishes, and insulin sensitivity also decreases. Individuals should actively adjust their lifestyle, including maintaining a balanced diet, increasing physical activity, managing body weight, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption.

2. Genetic factors: Diabetes tends to cluster in families. If there is a family history of diabetes, the individual's risk of developing the condition increases. This genetic predisposition may result from the combined action of multiple genes that increase susceptibility to diabetes. Individuals can reduce their risk of disease by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as eating balanced meals and engaging in regular physical activity.

3. Autoimmune destruction: Autoimmune reactions can damage pancreatic beta cells, preventing them from producing sufficient insulin, which leads to hyperglycemia. Associated symptoms include polydipsia (excessive thirst), polyuria (frequent urination), and weight loss. Short-acting insulin injection, long-acting insulin injection, or premixed insulin injection may be administered as prescribed to control blood glucose levels.

4. Insulin resistance: Insulin resistance reduces the responsiveness of tissues such as muscle, fat, and liver to insulin, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. Associated symptoms may include abdominal obesity, hypertension, and high cholesterol. Insulin sensitizers such as thiazolidinediones (e.g., rosiglitazone tablets) may be used as directed by a physician, along with dietary control and physical exercise, to improve insulin sensitivity.

5. Pancreatic beta cell dysfunction: Pancreatic beta cell dysfunction interacts with insulin resistance to jointly elevate blood glucose levels. Associated symptoms may include obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Oral hypoglycemic agents such as metformin tablets, gliclazide modified-release tablets, and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors may be used as prescribed by a physician.

In daily life, diabetic patients should focus on scientifically balanced diets, primarily consisting of low glycemic index foods. Blood glucose fluctuations should be avoided, and professional medical advice should be sought when necessary.