Which type of cells in the pancreas are damaged in Type 1 diabetes mellitus? α  alpha β  beta  γ  gamma  δ  delta

In Type 1 diabetes mellitus, the cells that are primarily damaged are the β (beta) cells of the pancreas.

These beta cells are responsible for producing insulin, a hormone critical for regulating blood glucose levels. In Type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys these insulin-producing beta cells, leading to little or no insulin production. As a result, individuals with Type 1 diabetes experience high blood sugar levels because their bodies cannot effectively use glucose from food.

The destruction of beta cells typically occurs in childhood or young adulthood, which is why Type 1 diabetes is often referred to as juvenile diabetes. Unlike Type 2 diabetes, where insulin resistance is more common, Type 1 diabetes requires lifelong insulin therapy for blood glucose control.

Final Answer

The damaged cells in Type 1 diabetes mellitus are the β (beta) cells of the pancreas.