Journal Article
Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews, 2023
Authors
Suna Onengut‐Gumuscu, Bobbie‐Jo M. Webb‐Robertson, Soumyadeep Sarkar, Ani Manichaikul, Xiaowei Hu, Ashley Frazer‐Abel, V. Michael Holers, Marian J. Rewers, Stephen S. Rich
Abstract
AbstractType 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which one's own immune system destroys insulin‐secreting beta cells in the pancreas. This process results in life‐long dependence on exogenous insulin for survival. Both genetic and environmental factors play a role in disease initiation, progression, and ultimate clinical diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. This review will provide background on the natural history of type 1 diabetes and the role of genetic factors involved in the complement system, as several recent studies have identified changes in levels of these proteins as the disease evolves from pre‐clinical through to clinically apparent disease.
