This type of diabetes is believed to be an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The exact cause of this autoimmune response is not fully understood, but genetic predisposition and environmental factors, such as viral infections, are thought to play a role.

Type 2 diabetes develops when the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin to meet the body's demands. Risk factors for Type 2 diabetes include obesity, sedentary lifestyle, genetics, and aging. Lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, and excess weight contribute significantly to the development of Type 2 diabetes.

This type of diabetes occurs during pregnancy when hormonal changes and increased insulin resistance lead to elevated blood sugar levels. While the exact cause is not fully understood, hormonal changes during pregnancy, excess weight, and genetics may contribute to gestational diabetes.

There are other less common types of diabetes, such as gestational diabetes (which occurs during pregnancy), monogenic diabetes (caused by mutations in a single gene) and secondary diabetes (caused by other medical conditions or medications).