Autoimmune Destruction of Pancreatic Beta Cells Causes Type 1 Diabetes

When an autoimmune process destroys pancreatic beta cells, the result is type 1 diabetes mellitus. The pancreas produces little or no insulin, leading to hyperglycemia and risk of acute (DKA) and chronic complications (retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, cardiovascular disease).

Lifelong insulin replacement, glucose monitoring, and multidisciplinary care are essential.