Type 1 diabetes is generally caused due to auto immune changes in the body whereas Type 2 diabetes is mostly caused by genetic defects. In type 1 diabetes, the body attacks cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Type 1 diabetes is generally more prevalent in men as compared to women.

Type 1 diabetes is also partly inherited. However, Type 1 diabetes generally needs a trigger such as an infection or something similar that aggravates the body?s reactions to insulin.

Steroids and stress are generally known to be causes of Type 2 diabetes other than inherited genetic defects.

Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are among the most common causes of type 2 diabetes. Obesity leads to a development of insulin resistance in the body. Insulin resistance occurs in non-obese people as well and many obese people do not develop insulin resistance. It is important that you keep in mind that while obesity in itself may not be a cause for diabetes it is a contributing factor that drastically increases the risk of developing diabetes.