The autoimmune destruction of these beta cells is the cause of Type 1 Autoimmune DM (Diabetes Mellitus). Type 1 DM ONLY involves loss of those beta cells – and it is a TINY part of the organ. The Islets of Langerhans themselves are only about 2% of the total organ; and the beta cells are about half (or a bit less) of that – so the lost beta cells in Type 1 DM is only about 1% of the organ. The “other” 13% of the organ is the duct system that delivers the enzymes to the duodenum, and the capillary system that delivers the hormones to the bloodstream. SO: 85% exocrine tissue, 2% endocrine tissue, and 13% ducts and capillaries for the total 100% of the organ.
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