Type 1 diabetes mellitus has been considered an organ-specific autoimmune disease derived from the selective destruction of pancreatic beta cells. It presents a complex pathogenesis, involving the participation of several factors, including the immunogenetic susceptibility with strong association to histocompatibility genes (HLA), environmental events and autoimmune response with the presence of autoantibodies and/or autoreactive lymphocytes, culminating in metabolic abnormalities. In this study, the literature review describes mechanisms through which some factors cause susceptibility to its appearance and, additionally, prediction innovations regarding this disorder, which will certainly contribute to nursing care for patients with type 1 diabetes.
type I diabetes mellitus; immunogenetics; nursing