Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Research Paper Example

Diabetes mellitus is a complex chronic disease that is characterized by a number of changes in organs and systems, as well as symptoms that contribute to a gradual decline in quality of life for many patients. The primary pathophysiological mechanisms of diabetes mellitus are lymphatic infiltration in the pancreas, coupled with the gradual destruction of cells known as insulin-secreting beta cells (Khardori, 2015). Over time, the amount of insulin secretion is depleted to an extent that it impacts the levels of blood glucose within the bloodstream; in addition, it is likely when up to 90 percent of these beta cells are destroyed, there is a high risk of developing hyperglycemia and a subsequent dependence on insulin from external sources (Khardori, 2015).

It is also important to note that diabetes mellitus is often caused by autoimmunity, created by an immune response that is related to a viral infection and antibodies that influence beta cell production and function (Khardori, 2015). Furthermore, approximately 85 percent of all patient with diabetes mellitus have islet cell antibodies, many of which emphasize glutamic acid decarboxylase within the beta cells (Khardori, 2015). In addition, angiopathy involving microvascular disease and nephropathy that damages the kidneys are also complicating factors upon the formation of diabetes mellitus (Khardori, 2015). These factors demonstrate that the disease is complex and multifaceted in many ways and is caused my numerous underlying factors that are exacerbated as the disease progresses and gradually affects organs and systems at a higher level.

Etiology

The disease is caused by a number of underlying factors that impact the health of these patients and also addresses the significance of genetics as a contributing factor to disease formation (Tufts University, 2015). To be specific, insulin deficiency as a result of its limited production by B islet cells is an essential cause of the disease, and this is often impacted by genetic factors including defects such as MODY1, MODY2, MODY3, and MODY4-IPF1 (Tufts University, 2015). Furthermore, insulin resistance is a key factor that also has a genetic basis and is also correlated to obesity in many patients (Tufts University, 2015). In addition, poor nutritional intake and physical activity also play a role in shaping the formation of diabetes in many patients, and these factors may contribute to metabolic syndrome and related complications (Tufts University, 2015). To be specific, central obesity is an underlying factor in the development of diabetes mellitus, whereby patients have excess amounts of abdominal fat that are caused by a reduced metabolic rate and excess caloric intake (NIDDK, 2015). These factors contribute to the formation of the disease and also demonstrate that there are significant issues that must be addressed in order to better understand how diabetes mellitus affects each patient in different ways.

The formation of diabetes may be exacerbated by the development of prediabetes, whereby patients experience elevated A1C levels, and when blood glucose becomes elevated for lengthy periods of time, it contributes to excessive damage to blood vessels and nerves (NIDDK, 2015). Therefore, when diabetes mellitus is a suspected diagnosis, the appropriate care and treatment must commence in order to prevent additional complications that impact quality of life in different ways. There must be a greater emphasis on nutrition and exercise in order to effectively manage the condition and to minimize symptom risk as much as possible. This also reflects the importance of shaping an environment whereby patients with the disease are able to receive the care and treatment that is necessary to overcome symptoms and to understand its causes more effectively.

References

Khardori, R. (2015). Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Retrieved from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/117739-overview#a3

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (2015). Causes of diabetes. Retrieved from http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/Diabetes/causes-diabetes/Pages/index.aspx

Tufts University (2015). Diabetes mellitus: diagnosis and pathophysiology. Retrieved from http://ocw.tufts.edu/Content/14/lecturenotes/265878