Causes of Diabetes : Genetic and Environmental Factors

There is now firm evidence that a non-genetically determined event plays a major role in the aetiology of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), and that this event is due to exposure to an environmental agent.

While genetic factors are more important in the pathogenesis of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), environmental factors also play a major role.

This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the uses of NIDDM and IDDM and pays particular attention to the environmental factors involved in disease pathogenesis.

The identification of these factors opens the way for therapeutic trials aimed at preventing, even curing, this potentially devastating disease.