“What Is Inherited – What Is Added” Hypothesis for the Pathogenesis of Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

A working hypothesis for the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus has been drawn up which has found partial support in experimental data in human subjects. An impaired insulin response, common to all types of diabetes including prediabetes, has been brought to attention as a major possible inherited pathogenetic component. Other factors besides the impaired insulin production have been suggested as significant in the subsequent development of manifest diabetes.