Pancreatic beta cell agenesis
Definition
Pancreatic beta cell agenesis is a rare disorder in which a child is born with no beta cells—the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin—resulting in diabetes.
Description
Diabetes mellitus is a disease caused by elevated blood sugar and can result in numerous medical problems that can affect the kidney, eyes, cardiovascular system, skin, and joints. There are two common types. Type 1 results from destruction of the insulin-producing cells (beta cells) of the pancreas and usually occurs in children of at least one year of age or young adults. Injected insulin is required to allow glucose (sugar) to enter the body's cells to be used for energy. Type 2 diabetes occurs mostly in older, often obese,...
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