There are two major forms of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Although they have different causes, patients with either form are unable to produce sufficient insulin in the beta cells of the pancreas to prevent hyperglycaemia.
Type 1 diabetes comprises about 10% of all diabetes cases in Europe, and is characterised by the loss of the pancreatic beta cells, usually by autoimmune destruction. Since Type 1 diabetes often affects patients at a young age, it is also named juvenile diabetes. It is the more severe form of the disease because there is no treatment. Instead, patients must adjust their lifestyles, for example by improving their diet, taking regular exercise and monitoring their blood sugar levels. Additionally, subcutaneous injections or the continuous delivery of insulin by a pump into the blood circulation system are necessary to avoid coma or death.