Page 200 - Biochemistry PharmD General
P. 200
Type (1) Diabetes…
• It accounts for 10 – 15 % of cases of diabetes; most often occurs
in childhood or adolescence.
• The underlying pathophysiologic defect in type 1 diabetes is an
autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells. Following this
destruction, the individual has an absolute insulin deficiency and no
longer produces insulin.
• Autoimmune beta cell destruction is thought to be triggered by an
environmental event, such as a viral infection.
• Genetically determined susceptibility factors increase the risk of
such autoimmune phenomena.
• Process of beta cell destruction occurs slowly; hyperglycemia
occurs when 80 – 90% is destroyed; often trigger stressor event
(e. g. clinical symptoms). 199
