Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder. With this type of diabetes, the body creates antibodies that attack the insulin-producing parts of the pancreas. Type 1 diabetes has also been called “juvenile onset diabetes,” or “insulin dependent diabetes mellitus” (IDDM).
Type 1 diabetes is no longer called childhood diabetes or juvenile diabetes because it is just as prevalent in the adult population as it is with children. About 5-10% of cases of diabetes in North America are type 1 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is caused when antibodies attack the beta-cells in the Islets of Langerham in the pancreas that produce insulin. These antibodies either prevent the body from creating insulin, or severely damage the body’s ability to produce insulin. The autoimmune disorder of type 1 diabetes might be caused by an infection. It can also be caused by certain chemicals (including Vacor, a rodenticide, and Zanosar, used in chemotherapy).
As far as prevention of type 1 diabetes goes, some studies have linked breastfeeding to a decreased incidence of type 1 diabetes. Vitamin D has also been shown to decrease the likelihood of developing type 1 diabetes.
The signs and symptoms for type 1 diabetes progress much more rapidly than the symptoms of type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes can be managed with insulin. Often self-administered insulin injections are used for this treatment.
Treatment has to continue indefinitely to prevent complications.
