Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This leads to little or no insulin production, which means glucose stays in the blood and can't enter cells to be used for energy. This results in high blood sugar levels, which can lead to various health problems over time.
Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age but is most commonly diagnosed in children, teenagers, or young adults. Symptoms include increased thirst and urination, hunger, weight loss, fatigue, and blurred vision. Since the body cannot produce insulin, people with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day to survive.
The exact cause of Type 1 diabetes is unknown, though it's believed to involve a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors that trigger the autoimmune response. There is currently no cure for Type 1 diabetes, but it can be managed through a combination of insulin therapy, diet, exercise, and regular blood sugar monitoring.
Managing Type 1 diabetes requires careful attention to blood sugar levels, insulin administration, and recognizing the signs of blood sugar levels that are too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia). Advances in diabetes care, such as insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), have made it easier for people with Type 1 diabetes to maintain better control of their blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of complications.
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Biomarkers related to this condition:
The Zinc Transporter 8 (ZnT8) antibody is a marker of significant interest in the field of endocrinology, particularly in relation to diabetes. ZnT8 is a protein that plays a critical role in the insulin secretion process within the pancreas. It i
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