Case Scenario: Type 1 Diabetes
A 14-year-old girl is brought to the pediatrician's office by his parents who are concerned about their daughter's weight loss despite eating more, frequent urination, unquenchable thirst, and fatigue that is interfering with her school activities. She had been seemingly healthy until about 4 months ago when her parents started noticing these symptoms. She admits to sleeping more and gets tired very easily.
PMH: noncontributory.
Allergies-NKDA
FH:- maternal uncle with "some kind of sugar diabetes problem" but parents unclear on the exact disease process
SH: denies alcohol, tobacco or illicit drug use. Not sexually active.
Labs: random glucose 244 mg/dl.
DIAGNOSIS: Diabetes Mellitus type 1 and refers to an endocrinologist for further work up and management plan.
Question: Explain the genetics relationship and how this and the environment can contribute to Type I DM.