Diabetes is a condition in which the body is unable to produce enough insulin or the body does not use the insulin it produces effectively. If left uncontrolled, it can harm other organs. The main causes are:
Obesity and lack of exercise: This is the biggest cause of diabetes. Decreased physical activity and fat accumulation around the stomach leads to insulin resistance.
Wrong diet: Excessive consumption of sweets, starchy foods (rice, flour), processed foods, and sodas quickly increases blood glucose levels.
Genetics: If parents or close relatives have diabetes, you are more likely to develop it. Some specific genes predispose a person to diabetes.
Mental stress and lack of sleep: Chronic stress causes hormones like ‘cortisol’ to increase in the body. This interferes with the function of insulin and increases the risk of diabetes.
Age: The pancreas can slow down as we age. However, type 2 diabetes is becoming more common in children and young adults these days.