Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: An Overview

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. By far, the most common forms of DM are type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 DM is caused by autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing β-cells, and type 2 DM is caused by severe insulin resistance and subsequent β-cell failure, due primarily to obesity and lack of physical activity. Other forms of DM include gestational DM and various monogenic types of DM that are caused by single gene defects which lead to deficiencies in β-cell development, insulin production and secretion. This chapter focuses on type 1 DM and provides an overview of current trends and recommendations for diagnosis, management, and prevention of complications.