The Causes of Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a growing health concern in Australia, affecting nearly one in twenty adults. But while it’s often associated with lifestyle, there’s more to the story. Understanding the causes of type 2 diabetes can help you better manage risk factors, recognise early warning signs, and take steps to protect your long-term health.
At Evergreen Doctors, our approach blends conventional care with functional medicine. We don’t just look at blood sugar readings—we explore why your body is struggling to regulate glucose in the first place. That starts with getting clear on what is the cause of type 2 diabetes.
How Does Type 2 Diabetes Develop?
So how does Type 2 diabetes develop? Generally, it develops gradually, often over many years. In the early stages, the body becomes resistant to insulin, a hormone that helps move glucose from the bloodstream into your cells. To compensate, the pancreas produces more insulin. Eventually, it can no longer keep up, and blood sugar levels begin to rise.
This process is complex, and there isn’t a single cause. Instead, there are several interrelated factors that contribute to insulin resistance and poor glucose control.
Lifestyle-Related Causes of Type 2 Diabetes
Among the most common causes of type 2 diabetes are modifiable lifestyle factors. These include:
Physical inactivity: Exercise improves insulin sensitivity. Without it, the body has a harder time using insulin effectively.
Diet high in refined carbohydrates and added sugars: These foods cause spikes in blood sugar and can contribute to weight gain and insulin resistance.
Excess abdominal fat: Visceral fat, especially around the midsection, is hormonally active and contributes to inflammation, which worsens insulin resistance.
Chronic stress: High cortisol levels interfere with blood sugar regulation and increase the risk of metabolic imbalance.
Genetic and Family History
Genetics also play a role in how type 2 diabetes develops. Some people may be more predisposed to insulin resistance due to inherited traits. This leads many people to ask: Can type 2 diabetes be genetic?
The answer is yes. While lifestyle is a major driver, genes can make certain individuals more susceptible. If a close family member has diabetes, your risk is higher. However, lifestyle choices still influence whether those genes are expressed.
In fact, we often see patients who are managing inherited risk factors with impressive success, proving that having a predisposition is not the same as a diagnosis.
Other Contributing Factors
In addition to genetics and lifestyle, other contributors include:
Poor sleep quality
Hormonal changes, such as during menopause
Gut dysbiosis or imbalanced microbiome
Exposure to certain medications (e.g. corticosteroids)
Our diabetes doctors take all of these into account when creating personalised care plans.
Functional Medicine and the Root Causes of Type 2 Diabetes
A functional medicine perspective asks: Why has insulin resistance developed in this person? That means assessing not just glucose levels, but:
Cortisol rhythms (chronic stress)
Inflammation markers
Gut microbiota
Micronutrient deficiencies
Sleep and circadian rhythm patterns
By identifying imbalances early, we can intervene before full diabetes develops, or improve blood sugar control in those already diagnosed.
What Is the Cause of Type 2 Diabetes in Young Adults?
Type 2 diabetes was once considered an adult-onset condition, but we’re now seeing it in younger patients. In these cases, causes of type 2 diabetes often relate to:
High consumption of processed foods from a young age
Lack of physical activity
High stress levels from school, work, or social pressures
Family history of diabetes
This makes early education and screening more important than ever. If you're concerned about your risk, our team can support you with prevention strategies tailored to your lifestyle.
How to Reverse Diabetes Permanently
If you're wondering how to reverse diabetes permanently, the short answer is: it depends on the individual. In many cases, early intervention can significantly improve blood glucose control and reduce reliance on medications.
Our plans often include:
Personalised nutrition
Blood sugar monitoring
Stress reduction strategies
Exercise plans suited to your schedule and fitness level
We also assess for micronutrient deficiencies and hormonal imbalances that may interfere with glucose regulation.
Can You Have Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes at the Same Time?
A common question we hear is: Can you have type 1 and type 2 diabetes at the same time?
While the two are distinct conditions, there is a form of diabetes called LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults), sometimes referred to as "Type 1.5." It shares characteristics of both types and is often misdiagnosed. A proper diagnosis is key to managing the condition effectively.
Start Your Path To Treatment
If you're unsure about what the cause of type 2 diabetes is in your case, or you’re ready to take control of your blood sugar, Evergreen Doctors is here to help. Our integrated approach goes beyond basic management to explore the fundamental factors behind your diagnosis.
We believe in treating the whole person, starting with understanding your story. Book a consultation with our diabetes doctors to learn how we can support you with personalised, sustainable care.