Posts Tagged ‘Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus’

Learning About Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus- A Major Metabolic Condition

Sunday, June 26th, 2011

Insulin-dependent Diabetes Mellitus is also popularly known as Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. In IDDM, the pancreas secretes negligible levels of insulin. It has been shown these patients have lost the beta cells from their pancreatic islets of Langerhans.

There are a lot of causes of diabetes type 1. The cause of beta cell destruction may be related to genetic, autoimmune and viral factors. There’s a genetic predisposition to such metabolic condition. It has been found that the patients have a superior incidence of certain human leukocyte antigens. In identical twins, if one twin has Type 1 Diabetes, there is a 50% chance that the other twin will either have or develop it. The proven fact that this coincidence is only 50% suggests that non genetic factors are also important.

It is thought that autoimmune factors have a role. Circulating antibodies to islet cells can be found in most patients at the time of diagnosis. Certain lymphocytes called killer T cells are involved in the destruction of the cells that produces insulin. Moreover, there is a greater incidence of Type 1 Diabetes after infections by certain viruses, such as mumps and coxsackie. This has led to the notion that viral infection may have a role in beta cell destruction.

Start of the condition is typically abrupt and related to Diabetes Type 1 symptoms which involve excessive urination or polyuria, excessive hunger or polyphagia, excessive thirst or polydipsia, rapid weight loss and weakness. This syndrome may be present prior to diagnosis for a period ranging from a few days to 2 months. In persons who’re in the process of developing Type 1 Diabetes, the metabolic derangements may be precipitated by pregnancy, emotional stress, illness, or other physical stressors.

These are just a few details that you must learn about the first kind of the metabolic condition called Diabetes Mellitus. Learn more facts at http://diabetes-type-1.org/. You will be able to get more details about this metabolic condition. It will help you manage the disease and prevent any complications.