Autoimmune Response Type 1 diabetes is a progressive autoimmune disease, in which the beta cells that produce insulin are slowly destroyed by the body's own immune system. It is unknown what first starts this cascade of immune events, but evidence suggests that both a genetic predisposition and environmental factors, such as a viral infection, are involved.
Specific proteins are also critical in the process.
These proteins serve as autoantigens . That is, they trigger the self-attack of the immune system on its body's own beta cells. Progression from the first stage, known as insulitis , to full-blown diabetes can take seven years or longer. It should be noted that more than half of those with insulitis do not develop diabetes. Researchers are greatly interested in discovering any factors that prevent the disease.