2.4 Diabetes Risk Factors

Summary

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, caused predominantly by variants of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, as well as minor “risk genes” or gene regions. Researchers have also identified gene variants associated with Type 2 diabetes that affect insulin production or the tendency to become overweight. There may be a possibility that environmental factors, such as certain viruses or foods may play a role in triggering the initiation of Type 1 diabetes. However, many of the risks factors of Type 2 diabetes are environmental and modifiable.