A metabolic disease characterized by a lack of insulin that causes high blood glucose levels.
Insulin is the hormone necessary for the body's cells to use glucose for energy. Insulin deficiency results from the destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells. The exact cause is unknown, although it is thought to result from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors, triggering an autoimmune response.
High blood glucose levels and lack of cellular energy cause the three characteristic symptoms: increased thirst with increased fluid intake (polydipsia), increased urination (polyuria) and increased appetite (polyphagia).
Diagnosis is clinical and analytical with blood glucose determination.
The aim of treatment is to lower blood sugar levels and avoid ketone bodies (diabetic ketoacidosis). Insulin is administered by intermittent subcutaneous injections or continuously through an implantable pump.
- Lynne L Levitsky. Epidemiology, presentation, and diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus in children and adolescents. UpToDate. Marzo 2016
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- Alvin C. Powers. Diabetes mellitus: diagnóstico, clasificación y fisiopatología. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna, 19e. Capítulo 417
