Qué es Tipo1 Diabetes?

La diabetes tipo 1 es una afección autoinmune en la que el sistema inmunitario del cuerpo ataca las células de los islotes en el páncreas. Las células de los islotes producen una hormona llamada insulina. Sin insulina, la glucosa aumenta a niveles peligrosos en la sangre.

La diabetes tipo 1 puede ocurrir a cualquier edad, pero generalmente se diagnostica en la infancia. Es por eso que solía llamarse diabetes juvenil.

People with type 1 diabetes have a genetic risk to develop the disease.  Scientists have discovered some of the genes that increase the risk.

Most people who have the genetic risk do not develop type 1 diabetes.  In fact, about 85% of people who get type 1 diabetes are the only person in their family who have it.

Scientists believe that something in the environment triggers the disease. Research studies like TEDDY will help us understand what the trigger might be.

The immune system in our body helps to fight infection. When it’s working properly, the immune system can tell the difference between invaders, like viruses and bacteria, and the body’s own cells.

In type 1 diabetes, the immune system makes a mistake and attacks the islet cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.  However, the rest of the pancreas is still working.  Your doctor can confirm this by ordering lab tests to identify blood markers called auto-antibodies.

The islet cells are destroyed in the autoimmune attack. At this time, doctors don’t know how to stop this attack or how to replace the cells that have been destroyed.

When enough of the insulin-producing cells are destroyed, the body can no longer make enough insulin.  Glucose levels in the blood rise.  This is when symptoms occur.  These symptoms include having to go to the bathroom frequently, extreme thirst, and hunger.

Children and adults diagnosed with type 1 diabetes take insulin by injection or through an insulin pump. With proper management, they can live healthy and happy lives.