autoimmune diabetes
A young patient receives an insulin injection to manage their autoimmune diabetes.
Noun: A severe, chronic metabolic disorder characterized by the body's immune system attacking and destroying the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This leads to an absolute deficiency of insulin, requiring lifelong exogenous insulin administration for survival. It is typically diagnosed in children and young adults, though it can occur at any age.
The term "autoimmune diabetes" is used in medical and scientific contexts to specify the underlying cause of type 1 diabetes. It distinguishes this form from other types of diabetes (like type 2 or gestational diabetes) by highlighting its autoimmune etiology. * The research study focused on identifying genetic markers for autoimmune diabetes. * A diagnosis of autoimmune diabetes means the patient's own immune system is responsible for the loss of pancreatic function.
- After the blood tests confirmed autoimmune diabetes, the doctor started the child on an insulin regimen immediately.
- Autoimmune diabetes accounts for approximately 5-10% of all diagnosed diabetes cases.
- Managing autoimmune diabetes involves careful monitoring of blood glucose levels, carbohydrate counting, and insulin therapy.
- In research contexts: The term is often used when discussing pathogenesis, prevention strategies, or potential cures that target the immune system.
- The trial aims to find an immunotherapy that can halt the progression of autoimmune diabetes.
- As a modifier: It can function adjectivally in compound terms to specify the nature of a process or response.
- The patient exhibited a classic autoimmune diabetes pathology.
- Type 1 Diabetes (T1D): The more common clinical name for the same condition. "Autoimmune diabetes" is often used synonymously with "type 1 diabetes," though it specifically references the cause.
- Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM): An older term that is now less frequently used.
- Juvenile Diabetes: An outdated term, as the condition can develop in adults (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults, or LADA).
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Insulin-Dependent Diabetes (context-dependent)
- Absolute insulin deficiency: The defining feature, resulting from beta-cell destruction.
- Prone to ketoacidosis: A serious acute complication due to the lack of insulin.
- Requires exogenous insulin: Lifelong insulin therapy is mandatory for survival.
- Autoantibodies present: Markers like GAD65 or IA-2 antibodies are often detectable, confirming the autoimmune nature.
A young patient receives an insulin injection to manage their autoimmune diabetes.
- severe diabetes mellitus with an early onset; characterized by polyuria and excessive thirst and increased appetite and weight loss and episodic ketoacidosis; diet and insulin injections are required to control the disease