Type 1 diabetes mellitus is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This results in a lack of insulin, the hormone necessary to regulate blood sugar. People with type 1 diabetes require lifelong insulin treatment and careful monitoring of blood glucose levels to manage the condition. The assessment of the Polygenic Index Score for type 1 diabetes mellitus is based on the examination of 110 gene polymorphisms.
Genetic testing for type 1 diabetes mellitus is included along with 12 other diseases in the Genetic Screening for Immune Diseases, Polygenic Risk Score, as well as in the Genetic Screening for Endocrine and Genitourinary Diseases, Polygenic Risk Score, along with 13 other diseases.
Causes and non-genetic risk factors
Type 1 diabetes is triggered with equal incidence in both men and women, preferably in children or young adults under 20 years of age, as a consequence of the destruction by the immune system itself of the insulin-producing beta-pancreatic cells. The exact triggering cause of this autoimmune destruction is unknown, however, it has been suggested that in addition to genetic contribution, environmental factors such as viruses or certain climates could trigger the disease. However, in 10% of the cases, autoantibodies against these cells of the organism have not been detected.
Injuries to the pancreas, such as infections, tumors, operations, trauma, or accidents that also trigger physical stress, can also add to the development of this endocrinological condition.
Additionally, a higher risk of developing this condition has been identified in individuals of Caucasian ethnicity.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes can be subtle and appear relatively suddenly:
- Increased extreme thirst and hunger
- Urinary urgency or incontinence at early ages
- Unexplained weight loss
- Malaise and vomiting
- Irritability and other mood swings
- Fatigue and weakness
- Blurred vision
- Recurrent infections of the skin and urinary tract
However, symptoms can become severe, including signs identifying an emergency that may require medical intervention as early as possible, such as tremors and confusion, rapid breathing, fruity breath odor (ketoacidosis), or loss of consciousness.
Prevention
There is no known way to prevent type 1 diabetes. However, education about diabetes is indeed an essential part of its control, especially if we consider the development of complications in a multitude of organs due to long-term hyperglycemia. Such is the case of retinopathy on the ocular retina, nephropathy due to renal damage, neuropathy due to central nervous system involvement, or vasculopathy that increases the risk of cardiovascular accidents, arteriosclerosis, or early heart disease.
Educational planning, continuous support, and motivation are necessary for proper management at the age of debut. The available evidence shows a beneficial effect of educating both the child or adolescent and family members about glycemic control, not only about insulin-based treatment but also about diet, physical exercise, and maintenance of a healthy lifestyle (avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and other substances of abuse). Reasonable metabolic control is crucial to prevent both short-term and long-term complications.
