Type 1 diabetes mellitusType 1 diabetes mellitus is characterized by loss of the insulin-producing beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas leading to insulin deficiency. This type of diabetes can be further classified as immune-mediated or idiopathic. The majority of type 1 diabetes is of the immune-mediated nature, where beta cell loss is a T-cell mediated autoimmune attack. There is no known preventive measure against type 1 diabetes, which causes approximately 10% of diabetes mellitus cases in North America and Europe. Most affected people are otherwise healthy and of a healthy weight when onset occurs. Sensitivity and responsiveness to insulin are usually normal, especially in the early stages. Type 1 diabetes can affect children or adults but was traditionally termed "juvenile diabetes" because it represents a majority of the diabetes cases in children.
Characteristics of type 1 diabetes
* Most common in children
* Quick onset with thirst, frequent urination, weight loss developing and worsening over days to weeks
* Usually no known family history
* No major risk factors; risk is increased if there is a strong family history
* Insulin shots required to control diabetes
* Blood glucose levels are sensitive to small changes in diet, exercise, and insulin dose
Diabetes With People