Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder – a person’s own
immune system attacks beta cells found in the pancreas. Beta
cells normally respond to high levels of sugar in the blood by
releasing insulin, a protein hormone that acts like a key
binding to a lock (or receptor) that is present on every cell in
the body. When insulin binds to its receptor, it unlocks a door
in cells that allows this sugar—known as glucose– to enter and
be used for energy.Since type 1 diabetics lack insulin-producing
beta cells, glucose remains in the blood and cells starve. Even
with insulin therapy, the level of blood glucose in type 1
diabetics is not normal. Glucose is a highly reactive molecule
that damages the cells and tissues that it contacts,
particularly the cells that line blood vessels. As a result,
diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, kidney disease, limb
amputation and heart disease. Because type 1 diabetes commonly
manifests in childhood, it has traditionally been called
“juvenile” diabetes. Type 1 diabetes treatm