Insulin-dependent Diabetes Mellitus is also popularly known as Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. In IDDM, the pancreas secretes negligible levels of insulin. It has been shown these patients have lost the beta cells from their pancreatic islets of Langerhans.

There are a lot of causes of diabetes type 1. The reason for beta cell destruction may be related to genetic, autoimmune and viral factors. There is a genetic predisposition to such metabolic condition. It’s been found that the patients have a superior incidence of certain human leukocyte antigens. In identical twins, if a person twin has Type 1 Diabetes, there is a 50% chance that the other twin will either have or develop it. The proven fact that this coincidence is only 50% shows that non genetic factors are also important.

It is thought that autoimmune factors have a role. Circulating antibodies to islet cells are available in most patients at the time of diagnosis. Certain lymphocytes called killer T cells are involved in the destruction of the cells that produces insulin. Moreover, there is a greater incidence of Type 1 Diabetes after infections by certain viruses, such as mumps and coxsackie. This has led to the notion that viral infection may have a role in beta cell destruction.

Onset of the condition is typically abrupt and related to Diabetes Type 1 symptoms which involve excessive urination or polyuria, excessive hunger or polyphagia, excessive thirst or polydipsia, rapid weight loss and weakness. This syndrome may be present prior to diagnosis for a period ranging from a few days to two months. In persons who are in the process of developing Type 1 Diabetes, the metabolic derangements may be precipitated by pregnancy, emotional stress, illness, or other physical stressors.

These are just several details that you must learn about the first type of the metabolic condition called Diabetes Mellitus. Learn more facts at http://diabetes-type-1.org/. You will be able to get more details about this metabolic condition. It will help you manage the disease and prevent any complications.