[Etiology of diabetes (author's transl)].

Numerous factors are involved in the genesis of diabetes. Consequently it is difficult to summarize the different theories and ideas in a uniform hypothesis. The principal factor is the failure of the beta-cells. Genetic factors, auto-immune reactions, virus infections, all may play a role. Age, sex, menopause, pregnancy and adiposity may be important for triggering a diabetes, quite apart from diseases of the pancreas, endocrine disturbances and possible effects of medicaments. And this is not the end of the list of potential factors either.