Final answer:
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is caused by the autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, leading to insulin deficiency and requiring insulin replacement therapy for blood glucose management.
Step-by-step explanation:
Causes of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (DM)
The primary cause of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 DM) is the destruction of beta cells in the pancreas. This destruction leads to a deficiency of insulin, which is crucial for the regulation of blood sugar levels. Unlike Type 2 DM, which is generally caused by insulin resistance, Type 1 DM is an autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells. As a result, individuals with Type 1 DM require synthetic insulin to manage their blood glucose levels.
The exact cause of this autoimmune response is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors, including possible viral infections. This autoimmune destruction of beta cells can happen over several years, although the onset of symptoms is typically sudden.