Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) Overview

Front

What percentage of diabetics in the United States have Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)?

Back

Less than 10%.

Front

What causes the absolute deficiency of insulin in T1D?

Back

An autoimmune attack on the β cells of the pancreas.

Front

What condition is characterized by the infiltration of the islets of Langerhans with activated T lymphocytes in T1D?

Back

Insulitis.

Front

What happens to the β-cell population over a period of years in T1D?

Back

Gradual depletion of the β-cell population.

Front

When do symptoms of T1D typically appear?

Back

Abruptly when 80%–90% of the β cells have been destroyed.

Front

What is required to restore metabolic control in T1D patients?

Back

Insulin therapy.

Front

What life-threatening condition can occur if insulin therapy is not administered in T1D?

Back

Ketoacidosis.

Front

What two factors are required for β-cell destruction in T1D?

Back

A stimulus from the environment (such as a viral infection) and a genetic determinant.

Front

What is the chance of the other monozygotic twin developing T1D if one twin has it?

Back

30%–50%.

Front

How does the genetic influence of T1D compare to that of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) in monozygotic twins?

Back

In T2D, the genetic influence is stronger, and the disease eventually develops in both individuals in virtually all monozygotic twinships.