Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes ("juvenile diabetes") is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the islets of Langerhans, groups of endocrine cells scattered throughout the pancreas that include insulin-secreting beta cells. As a result of the destruction of beta cells, an insulin deficiency occurs.  Although there is abundant glucose in the blood, the glucose cannot enter the cells without insulin, and the body's cells remain "starved". Therefore, individuals with this type of diabetes are entirely dependent on external insulin administration via injections or insulin pumps.

In Israel, only about 10% of diabetes patients have Type 1 diabetes, which generally appears under the age of 30. Type 1 diabetes is a chronic, incurable disease requiring continuous daily monitoring of blood glucose levels and insulin injections.

How can a mathematical model lead to a cure for diabetes? An interview with Dr. Ron Piran