Type 1 diabetes, also known as "juvenile diabetes" or "insulin-dependent diabetes", is a disorder of the body's immune system. Unlike it's sister disease, "type 2" or "adult onset" diabetes, it is not caused by obesity or an unhealthy lifestyle.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys a specific type of cell in the pancreas, known as "beta cells." Beta cells produce insulin, a hormone that helps the body extract the energy contained in food.
When the beta cells are destroyed, no insulin can be produced, and sugars derived from food (known as glucose) remain in the bloodstream. High levels of blood sugar can cause serious damage to many of the body's other organ systems. To counteract this loss of beta cells and the insulin they produce, type 1 diabetes patients must rely upon several insulin injections each day.
Generally, however, when type 1 diabetes is first diagnosed, not all the beta cells have been destroyed. It is estimated that, on average, between 15-40% of beta cells remain functional in the newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes patient.
Researchers around the world, including at the ITN, are working to develop treatments that will spare these remaining beta cells. It is hoped that by doing so, the doses of insulin will be decreased and the long-term complications associated with type 1 diabetes may also be reduced.
More information on the causes, management and treatment of type 1 diabetes is available by clicking the links to the right.
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