What happens to the body in type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, where the immune system (the body’s natural defence against infection and illness) mistakes the cells in your pancreas as harmful and attacks them. Without insulin, your body will break down its own fat and muscle, resulting in weight loss.

What organ in the body is affected by type 1 diabetes and how?

Type 1 diabetes happens when your pancreas stops making insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body’s cells use sugar (glucose) for energy. It also helps the body store extra energy in muscle, fat, and liver cells. Without insulin, this sugar can’t get into your cells to do its work.

How does diabetes affect the body?

About diabetes – long-term effects Over time, high blood glucose levels can damage the body’s organs. Possible long-term effects include damage to large (macrovascular) and small (microvascular) blood vessels, which can lead to heart attack, stroke, and problems with the kidneys, eyes, gums, feet and nerves.

Who is most affected by type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is seen most often in children and young adults, although the disease can occur at any age. People with Type 1 disease are often thin to normal weight and often lose weight prior to diagnosis. Type 1 diabetes accounts for about 5-10% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes.

Where is type 1 diabetes most common?

The highest incidence rates are found in Finland and Italy and the lowest rates are found in South American countries, such as Venezuela and Brazil and Asian countries, such as China or Thailand. Caucasian people have type 1 diabetes more commonly than African American and Latino Americans.

Why does type 1 diabetes occur?

What causes type 1 diabetes? Type 1 diabetes occurs when your immune system, the body’s system for fighting infection, attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. Scientists think type 1 diabetes is caused by genes and environmental factors, such as viruses, that might trigger the disease.

What causes diabetes in the body?

Type 1 diabetes occurs when your immune system, the body’s system for fighting infection, attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. Scientists think type 1 diabetes is caused by genes and environmental factors, such as viruses, that might trigger the disease.

What is type 1 blood sugar?

With type 1 diabetes, beta cells produce little or no insulin. Without enough insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream instead of going into the cells. This buildup of glucose in the blood is called hyperglycemia. The body is unable to use the glucose for energy.