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.
Analogy
Imagine if you're at a party (your body), but there's a bouncer at door (insulin) who lets people (glucose) inside. In type 1 diabetes, it's like having no bouncer at all - too many people get into the party, causing chaos (high blood sugar).
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.
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