Why does the immune system attack the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas, in the case of individuals with Type 1 Diabetes?

Question

Why does the immune system attack the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas, in the case of individuals with Type 1 Diabetes?

In: 26

Answer 1

The real answer is that we don’t know. But there are some clues. There is a correlation between viral infections and the onset of diabetes mellitus type I, so the theory is that the immune system is triggered by a virus and then the body somehow becomes sensitized to its own cells. Also, there is seasonal variation to the onset of DM, and it peaks in the fall, which is also the time of year when viral infections peak.