What is Type-1 diabetes?

 

Chronic condition affecting the ability of the pancreas to produce insulin

 

Caused by the autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells

 

Characterized by elevated blood glucose levels

 

type-1 diabetes is due to a deficiency in the hormone insulin. In affected individuals, the tendency for the immune system to “attack” insulin-producing cells is present from birth. When triggered by a certain event, the body’s immune system attacks the insulin producing beta cells of the pancreas, leading to their irreparable destruction. Over a period of time, the destruction depletes so many beta cells that the body in unable to produce enough insulin to handle the glucose in the bloodstream. 

 

When there is no insulin in the body, blood glucose levels rise quickly, and the classic symptoms of diabetes can rapidly develop: extreme weakness and/or tiredness, extreme thirst as a result of dehydration, increased urination, abdominal pain, nausea and/or vomiting, blurry vision, and slow thought processes.

 

"Triggers" for Type-1 diabetes?

 

Viral

 

Environmental Toxins

 

Inherited Susceptibility

 

Although we know that type-1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune defect resulting in attacks on the islet cells of the pancreas, the exact TRIGGER remains a mystery.

It is believed that both a genetic predisposition and environmental factors, such as a viral infection, may be involved.

Viral - Some research suggests that viral infections may trigger the expression of the disease in genetically susceptible individuals.

Among the viruses under scrutiny are enteric viruses, which attack the intestinal tract. Coxsackie viruses are a family of enteric viruses of particular interest. Epidemics of Coxsackie virus, as well as mumps and congenital rubella, have been associated with incidence of type-1 diabetes.

Inherited Susceptibility - Researchers have found at least 18 genetic locations, labeled IDDM1 - IDDM18, that are related to type-1 diabetes. The genes in this region affect the immune response. Most people who develop type-1 diabetes, however, do not have a family history of the disease. The odds of inheriting the disease are only 10% if a first-degree relative has diabetes, and even in identical twins, one twin has only a 33% chance of having type-1 diabetes if the other has it. Children are more likely to inherit the disease from a father with type-1 diabetes than from a mother with the disorder.