Diabetes mellitus type 1

Definition

A chronic condition, caused by death of the insulin producing cells in the islets of langerhans. The commonest side effect of this is high blood sugar.

Epidemiology

Around 7% of all diabetes sufferers have type 1. In the general population, about 0.4% of people have it. It generally presents in the teenage years, often around the age of 13.

Pathophysiology

Like nearly all the well known diseases, we don't really know what is going on. The general consensus is that the beta cells in the Islet of Langerhans (in the pancreas) are attacked by autoimmune processes.

There have been some links made with cow's milk. It can also be caused by viral attack, pancreatic problems and chemotherapy.

Risk Factors

• Family History
• Not being breast fed
• Other endocrine disorders
• Coeliac disease