Type 1 Diabetes (IDDM)
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is a condition in which the blood glucose level rises due to insufficient insulin production. Insulin injections are therefore lifesaving in patients with type 1 diabetes, (hence also known as Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus).
The insulin production is affected due to the destruction of insulin- producing ß-cells in the Pancreas. This destruction is Auto-Immune (the defense system of the body attacks the body’s own cells) in nature and is triggered by genetic and environmental factors.
It accounts for 10-15% of the total number of diabetes patients.
This type of diabetes occurs commonly in children and young adults below the age of 40 years. Hence, it is also known as ‘Juvenile Diabetes’.