Causes of Type 1 Diabetes

The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown. Scientists tells that in most people with type 1 diabetes, their body's immune system - which normally fights bacteria and viruses - mistakenly destroys the insulin-producing (islet) cells in the pancreas. Genetics may play a role in this process, and exposure to certain viruses can trigger the disease. Whatever the cause, once the islet cells are destroyed, you will produce little or no insulin. Normally, the hormone insulin helps glucose get into your cells to provide energy to your muscles and tissues.

 Insulin is secreted in the pancreas, a gland located behind the stomach. When everything is working fine, once you eat, the pancreas secretes insulin into the bloodstream. As insulin circulates, it acts as key unlocking microscopic doors that allow sugar to enter body cells. Insulin lowers the blood sugar levels in the blood, and the blood sugar in the blood drops, the fact of insulin secretion by the pancreas. The liver acts as a glucose storage and manufacturing center.

When insulin levels are low and you have not eaten for some time, then the liver start to converts stored glycogen into glucose to keep your glucose level in the blood at a normal level. In type 1 diabetes, none of this happens because there is no insulin so that the glucose into the cells. Thus, instead of being transported into the cells, sugar builds up in the blood, where it can cause life-threatening complications. The cause of diabetes type 1 is different from the cause of the most familiar type 2 diabetes. In type 2diabetes, the islet cells are still functioning, but the body becomes resistant to insulin or the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or both.