Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus accounts for 5-10 % of all diabetic cases.

Also known as:

• Juvenile Diabetes Mellitus
•  Ketosis Prone Diabetes
•  Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM)

Type 1 diabetes is characterized by destruction of the pancreatic beta cells. Most likely cause of these conditions is combined genetic, immunologic and possibly environmental (e.g. viral) factors contribute to cell destruction. People do not inherit type 1 Diabetes itself; rather they inherit a genetic predisposition or tendency toward developing type 1 Diabetes. There is some evidence of autoimmune response on type1 Diabetes. This is abnormal response of the body in which the antibodies are direct against the normal tissues as if they were foreign and eventually can damage Islet of Langerhans , specific area of the pancreas that produce insulin, reducing the production of insulin or totally no production of insulin. Insulin deficiency may occur as a result of inhibition of glycogenolysis (breakdown of stored glucose) and glucogenesis (production of new glucose from amino acids and other substrates). These process occur in erratic fashion and further contribute to hyperglycemia. In addition, fat breakdown occurs, resulting in an increased production of “ketone bodies”  (byproducts of free fatty acids), the process called lypolysis.