Genetics of Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract
Type 1 Diabetes, also called Insulin Dependent Diabetes or Juvenile Diabetes, is a disorder that results from inability of the cells of pancreas to produce insulin. Insulin serves as a transporter of glucose into the cells, therefore, without insulin all cells in the body become unable to use glucose as their fuel. Insulin dependant diabetes is an autoimmune disorder. Autoimmune disease means that the person's own immune system produces antibodies (specific chemicals), which attack various cells and organs in the body. Such autoantibodies (self-antibodies) attack and eventually destroy insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. Type 1 Diabetes has several genetic and environmental causes. This disease is most prevalent among persons of Northern European descent. If a person has a first degree relative with Type 1 Diabetes, they are more likely to develop it. Being an autoimmune disease, type 1 diabetes is related to the genes that regulate immune system function. Studies show that at least 55% of all Insulin Dependent Diabetes cases are caused by mutation or specific variations in the family of genes, which are located on chromosome 6.

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• Role of genes coding for Major Histocompatibility Complex
• Role of environmental factors
• Clinical symptoms of Juvenile Diabetes
• Genetic screening for Juvenile Diabetes