Type 1 Diabetes Causes

Type 1 Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus is an autoimmune disorder caused due to the severe deficiency of the hormone insulin. The disorder is more observant in adults than in children. Type 1 diabetes is a polygenic disorder resulting from the malfunctioning of multiple genes. The sole treatment is to supplement the level of insulin inside the body before the condition becomes fatal. The exact cause behind the occurrence of this disease is not yet known. The causes of Type 1 diabetes might also be associated with environmental factors that can lead to a fluctuation in endogenic secretion of insulin. Genetic factors and diet are also responsible for Type 1 diabetes.

What Causes Type 1 Diabetes

The main cause of type 1 diabetes is the destruction of the beta cells of the pancreas producing insulin. Lack of insulin in the body ceases breakdown of glucose, leading to elevation of blood sugar levels. The other causes of type 1 diabetes is mentioned below.

Autoimmunity: The cells of the immune system are subjected to self degradation. This is an issue of the autoimmune system that contributes maximum towards type 1 diabetes. The beta cells are annihilated that make the body incapable of producing insulin, thus, giving rise to type 1 diabetes.

Viral Infections: Viruses like rubella and mumps trigger the type 1 diabetes. These two viruses are responsible for making an individual susceptible to diabetes. They can affect the insulin producing cells indirectly.

Foods: The causes are associated with foods as well. There are evidences showing that some foods might cause diabetes although studies have not yet confirmed the fact. Sometimes dairy based products like milk can trigger an autoimmune response causing type 1 diabetes. Food borne chemical toxins cause such infections. There are certain varieties of foods that influence the gut flora and its immune system. Wheat is known to have detrimental effects.

Genetic: Gene expressions in the form of dominant or recessive traits are responsible for bringing about a histocompatibility disorder, characteristic to type 1 diabetes. The gene responsible is IDDM1, located in the Major Histocompatibility Complex II region in the chromosome 6. It results in improper display of antigens for T-cells.

Causes of Type 1 Diabetes in Children

Children having a family history of diabetes most often suffer from this condition. It's also known as insulin independent diabetes as the patient require external insulin shots to bring the glucose level back to normalcy. Glucose levels start building up in the blood giving rise to severe complications. In extreme cases or if left undiagnosed, it can lead to multiple organ failure. Heart diseases, neuropathy, kidney diseases are also associated with type 1 diabetes in children. Elevated glucose levels affect the eyes and cause retinal disorder. Children suffering from juvenile diabetes suffer from diabetes retinopathy, a condition that causes glaucoma, cataracts, total or partial blindness.

The classic type 1 diabetes symptoms are increased thirst (polyphagia), frequent urination (polyuria), weight loss and increased thirst (polydipsia). Get an immediate glucose test done if you observe these symptoms. This is one of the confirmatory tests for type 1 diabetes. Insulin shots, insulin inhalers or insulin pumps are normally used by people to elevate the level of insulin inside the body. Type 1 diabetes causes associated with viral infections and other factors are definitely treated with different methods. The patient is advised to follow strictly the type 1 diabetes diet that involves complete absence of sugar in diet. Apart from all these, you must always keep a glucometer with yourself to maintain a check on the glucose level.