Diabetes is a disease caused by a failure of the biological mechanisms for regulating blood sugar, due to insufficient of the production of insulin (hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy) by the pancreas. The disease is characterized by a significant increase in blood sugar. Three major types of diabetes are Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes and Gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by a loss of insulin production by particular cells of the pancreas (Beta cells or Langerhans cells. The causes of this loss of insulin production are still unknown. Type 1 diabetes can affect children or adults but, most of times, it starts between few months of life and about 35 years. The organism of a diabetic patient rejects, by the formation of antibodies, cells which are capable of producing insulin. The symptoms are discomfort and frequent urination which can lead to dehydration and weight loss. Type 1 diabetes accounts for 10% of patients with diabetes.
