In type 1 diabetes the immune system mistakenly destroys the
- A. red blood cells
- B. cells of the thyroid gland
- C. insulin secreting beta cells of the pancreas
- D. nerve cells of the spinal cord
Explanation
T cells attack the pancreatic islet beta cells, stopping insulin production and causing lifelong dependence on injections. The target organ is what distinguishes one autoimmune disease from another.