Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational. Type 1 Diabetes may be caused by an inherited trait or another factor, such as a virus. Type 2 Diabetes is usually caused from inherited traits. Gestational usually results from a woman's body changing during pregnancy. While this type of diabetes may end after the pregnancy, the woman may be at higher risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes later in life.
Obesity is also a risk factor for diabetes.
In the few cases of Translocation Down syndrome that are inherited, one of the parents is a carrier. This condition occurs in all ethnic and socio-economic groups. A history of high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus or obesity increases the risk of heart disease among children. Heart disease, however, is a combination of heredity and environment. Copyright 2000 Mark S Daly , All Rights Reserved.