DOI: 10.1002/dmrr.3716 ISSN:
Genetic variants in the complement system and their potential link in the aetiology of type 1 diabetes
Suna Onengut‐Gumuscu, Bobbie‐Jo M. Webb‐Robertson, Soumyadeep Sarkar, Ani Manichaikul, Xiaowei Hu, Ashley Frazer‐Abel, V. Michael Holers, Marian J. Rewers, Stephen S. Rich- Endocrinology
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
- Internal Medicine
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which one's own immune system destroys insulin‐secreting beta cells in the pancreas. This process results in life‐long dependence on exogenous insulin for survival. Both genetic and environmental factors play a role in disease initiation, progression, and ultimate clinical diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. This review will provide background on the natural history of type 1 diabetes and the role of genetic factors involved in the complement system, as several recent studies have identified changes in levels of these proteins as the disease evolves from pre‐clinical through to clinically apparent disease.