Type 1 Diabetes

Definition

An autoimmune disease where pancreas produces little or no insulin due to destructions of insulin-producing cells by immune system. This leads to high levels of sugar (glucose) in bloodstream.

Related terms

Insulin:

A hormone produced in the pancreas that regulates the amount of glucose in the blood.

Glucagon:

A hormone that works with insulin to control blood sugar levels. It raises blood glucose levels by stimulating the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose.

Autoimmune disease: A condition arising from an abnormal immune response to a normal body part.