Type 1 Diabetes and the Immune System

Type 1 Diabetes, or insulin-reliant Diabetes, is an autoimmune disorder which occurs become the immune system mistakingly attack the pancreatic insulin-producing cells. Detection for changes in the immune system may help to detect early stage of Diabetes; and currently, one latest medical progression for treatment of type 1 Diabetes also focuses on correcting the immune disorder in the patient.

Type 1 Diabetes and autoimmunity

The immune system is a network of cells, tissues and organs, that protect the body from invaders. A healthy immune system is able to tell the difference between your cells from an invader’s cells. When a healthy immune system recognizes the nonself markers, it launches an attack on them in an attempt to keep you healthy.

Autoimmunity is when the immune system for some reason attack its own healthy tissues. Type 1 Diabetes is typically an autoimmune disease. The beta cells on pancreas are main insulin-producing cells. In the occurrence of Type 1 diabetes, some antibodies are produced to target the beta cells, thus causing insufficiency in producing insulin and regulating blood sugar levels.

Antibody tests in early diagnosis of type 1 Diabetes

Some antibodies are abnormally elevated before type 1 Diabetes become a clinical problem. Insulin antibody test checks and measures if the body is producing antibodies against insulin. Insulin cell antibody test helps to produce antibodies against islet cells where beta cells reside. Glutamic acid decarboxylase(GAD) antibody also helps the early detection.

By doing the antibody tests the doctor can know if the patient is at risk for developing type 1 Diabetes. People who have family history of Diabetes are suggested the tests to catch and prevent it at early time.

Immunotherapy treatment on Type 1 Diabetes

There are several clinical studies at this time looking at the treatment for type 1 diabetes from its immune basis and correcting the immune disorders. Immunotherapy exploration includes medicines for stopping the immune attack and protecting the beta cells to treat this threatening disease. Early detection is highlighted for prevention of Type 1 Diabetes; before it becomes an evident problem, the treatment may hold promise to stop further deterioration of insulin-producing beta cells.

Type 1 Diabetes patients have immune disorders in themselves, and may at risk of developing other autoimmune diseases, Arthritis and Lupus for instance, as is mentioned by the researchers.