Type 1 Diabetes Overview
Prevalence of Type 1 Diabetes is about 5% of the total-suspected Diabetic population or about 10% of the known Diabetic population in the US
Peak onset occurs in the second decade of life (ages 10-14) with another peak in the sixth decade although actual onset may occur at any age
Prevalence is 1.7 cases/1000 < 20 years of age or roughly 127,000 individuals
Primarily Caucasian
Less in Hispanics
Lowest in Blacks or Asians
Incidence is 18 new cases/year/100,000 < 20 years of age
Risk of Type 1 Diabetes
If no diabetes in the family:- 0.1% , otherwise
If identical twin with Type 1 Diabetes:- 25-50%
If either parent has diabetes: (multiply the risk by 2 if parent was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes before age 11)
If father has Type 1 Diabetes:- 6%
If mother was younger than 25 at propositus's birth:- 4%
If mother was 25 or older at propositus's birth:- 1%
Ninety (90) % of Type 1 cases are
positive for a non-aspartic acid amino acid residue at
position HLA B57,
or VQbeta macrophage receptors, or Islet Cell Antibodies (anti-Glutamic
Acid Decarboxylase 64kd, anti-tyrosine phosphatase (Rabin
Ag512/IA-1), anti-insulin)
Screening and a clinical trial is available for 1st degree relatives of patients with Type 1 Diabetes at the NIDDK Diabetes Prevention Trial - Type 1 (or call 1-800-425-8361)
Pathophysiology includes islet-cell antibody mediated insulitis, beta-cell destruction, and virtually absolute insulinopenia
This process seems to be characterized by more rapid progression in children
This process may be characterized by slower progression in adults
Classic symptomatology includes the quick-onset of polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, and weight-loss
Insulin requirement is absolute and life-sustaining