The Pathogenesis of Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract
Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is a chronic disorder that results from autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells. Much has been learned during the past decade about the underlying genetics, natural history, and pathogenesis of IDDM. In this review, we shall describe some of this new information and discuss how it might be used to prevent the disease.EpidemiologyIDDM occurs most frequently in persons of northern European descent. Among other racial groups, such as blacks, Native Americans, and Asians, the disease is less common1. The incidence ranges from a low of 1 to 2 per 100,000 per . . .