What type of diabetes is caused by conditions other than genetics or environmental factors?

Secondary diabetes is a type of diabetes that arises as a result of specific medical conditions or the use of certain medications rather than due to genetic predisposition or environmental factors. This can include conditions such as pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, or hormonal disorders like Cushing's syndrome. It also covers cases where diabetes occurs as a side effect of treatments, such as corticosteroids or certain other medications that impair glucose metabolism.

Type 1 diabetes primarily results from autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, while Type 2 diabetes is typically linked to insulin resistance and is influenced by lifestyle factors, such as diet and physical activity. Maturity onset diabetes, more commonly referred to as Type 2 diabetes when diagnosed in adults, also does not generally fall under the category of secondary diabetes as it emerges from the body's response to insulin rather than an external or secondary cause. Understanding this distinction is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.