Question
What does it mean when we talk about the factors or causes of Type 1 diabetes being related to immunity and genetics? Please explain, thank you!
Answer
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by a combination of factors, including genetic and immune system disorders. Genetic factors indicate that the disease has a familial tendency, and if parents have diabetes, the risk for their children increases. Immune factors involve the presence of autoantibodies within the patient’s body that may damage pancreatic cells, leading to reduced insulin secretion. This condition can cause a series of metabolic disorders, including sugar, protein, fat, water, and electrolyte imbalances, with high blood glucose being the main clinical feature.