Possible Causes Of Type 1 Diabetes
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Like the common cold, doctors are uncertain how type 1 diabetes is caused, but many think 90% of cases are due to the same viruses that cause the common cold, and several viruses have been identified as those possibly responsible. Therefore, for someone who has certain factors in their chromosomes, type 1 diabetes can be contracted when someone literally sneezes on them!
For the 10% of cases not due to these viruses, it has been shown that destruction of the beta cells by an autoimmune disease is responsible.
So how does this work?
Autoimmune disease is a malfunction of the immune system. The immune system tracks down intruders into the body, viruses for example, and destroys them. However, in the case of type 1 diabetes, if the immunce system malfunctions and in this case thinks that the hormone insulin is an unwanted intruder and destroys it, type 1 diabetes is the result.
Also, type 1 diabetes is more prevalent in people who have abnormalities in their DNA. It has been found that certain characteristics in chromosomes are present, which are not present in people who do not have diabetes. It is possible to observe these abnormalities and wait to see if diabetes is later contracted, but simply having these abnormalities does not guarantee you will get diabetes.
Another determinant as to whether or not you contract type 1 diabetes concerns the environment, and the cold analogy above. A great deal of research on patients in the early stages of type 1 has suggested a number of different viruses that may be responsible for triggering this type of diabetes.
Research has shown that these viruses can attack the pancreas directly. This is because if the virus contains a substance similar to a substance in the pancreas, the immune sytem will then attack the viru, and by association, the pancreas which over a short time causes type 1 diabetes.
There are many other areas under research at this time that are suspected of causing type 1 diabetes, but nothing is yet proven.
Meanwhile the many side effects of diabetes continue, something tio which the author refuses to give in to.
About the Author
To beat the hypertension that Toby has as a diabetic, he likes to explore the outdoors, walking and camping. Visit his latest website regarding suitable tents for camping and find hints and tips for suitable tents for camping.
Article Source: Articlelogy.com
Word Count: 363
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