DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Endocrine Disorder

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

HIGH SEVERITY

Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells causing absolute insulin deficiency. Requires lifelong exogenous insulin. Onset typically in childhood/adolescence but can occur at any age.

Global Affected

9.0M

Countries

111

Symptoms

Frequent urination
Excessive thirst
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Slow-healing sores
Frequent infections
Bed-wetting (children)
Irritability

Treatment Options

Insulin therapy (multiple daily injections)
Insulin pump therapy
Continuous glucose monitoring
Artificial pancreas systems
Islet transplantation
Stem cell therapy (investigational)
Carbohydrate counting
Lifestyle management

Risk Factors

1Family history
2Genetic predisposition (HLA-DR/DQ)
3Autoimmune conditions
4Viral infections (possible trigger)
5Geography (higher in northern latitudes)
6Age (peaks 4-7 and 10-14 years)

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1Fasting blood glucose
  • 2Random blood glucose
  • 3HbA1c
  • 4Autoantibody testing (GAD65, IA-2, ZnT8, IAA)
  • 5C-peptide levels
  • 6Ketone testing

Prognosis

Normal lifespan with intensive management. Risk of microvascular (retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy) and macrovascular complications. Hypoglycemia risk with insulin.

Prevention

  • No proven primary prevention
  • Early detection through screening
  • Teplizumab for high-risk individuals ( Stage 2)
  • Clinical trial participation

Research Status

Artificial pancreas systems improving. Stem cell therapy (Vertex VX-880) showing insulin independence. Immunotherapy trials (teplizumab delays onset). Islet transplantation. CRISPR research ongoing. Closed-loop insulin delivery systems advancing.

Sources

  • https://www.endocrine.org
  • https://www.cdc.gov/
  • https://www.hematology.org/education/patients
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books
  • https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.