[New findings in type I diabetes]

The author present a review of contemporary views on the pathogenesis of type I diabetes, in particular with regard to recent research of European and non-European diabetelogical departments. In the aetiopathogenesis attention is drawn to genetic influences, external factor and stimuli, the importance of some virus groups (Picornidae, Mengo 2T virus, Coxsackie B5, cytomegaloviruses, congenital rubeola syndrome etc.). Special attention is paid to the autoimmune theory of type I diabetes, the importance of different types of anti- beta-cell antibodies, insulin antibodies, antibodies against protein 64-KD of the islets, pro-insulin antibody PAA, and other stimuli and interferences (oxidation stress, non-enzymatic glycosylation etc.). As to treatment, the author mentions immunosuppressive treatment (cyclosporin A, azathioprine, prednisone) and transplantation of the pancreas. The author presents his own experience with a group of 2040 diabetics; in a group of 253 juvenile diabetics he followed-up the development of micro- and macroangiopathic complications in the course of 25 years. He proved an increase of so-called late diabetic complications in particular vascular ones along with the lengthening period of diabetes, with advancing age during its clinical manifestation. In the conclusion the author draws attention to the importance of multi-centre studies and new laboratory techniques.