A disease characterized by high levels of blood glucose resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Autoimmune, genetic, and environmental factors are involved in the development of type I diabetes.
Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), also known as Type I diabetes or juvenile diabetes, is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by pancreatic failure and resulting inability to produce insulin and metabolize glucose. The etiology of IDDM is unknown. Genetic factors appear to be related to disease onset, but environmental and individual factors are also implicated. Although it is not known what initiates the disease course, the mechanism responsible for IDDM is considered to be an autoimmune process . In IDDM the immune system produces antibodies that attack and destroy the insulin-producing, pancreatic beta cells, causing severe insulin deficiency.