Type 1 diabetes is best described as which of the following?

Type 1 diabetes is best described as which of the following?

• A. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
• B. Diet-induced insulin resistance
• C. Production of insulin by beta cells
• D. Infection of the pancreas

Answer: (A)

Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells causes absolute insulin deficiency. In Type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks the beta cells that produce insulin, so little or no insulin is made. Without insulin, glucose cannot enter most cells, leading to high blood sugar and symptoms like frequent urination, thirst, and weight loss. Because insulin production is lost, lifelong insulin therapy is required. This differs from diabetes driven by insulin resistance (Type 2), and it’s not simply that the pancreas is still making insulin or that the issue is an infection of the pancreas.

Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells causes absolute insulin deficiency. In Type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks the beta cells that produce insulin, so little or no insulin is made. Without insulin, glucose cannot enter most cells, leading to high blood sugar and symptoms like frequent urination, thirst, and weight loss. Because insulin production is lost, lifelong insulin therapy is required. This differs from diabetes driven by insulin resistance (Type 2), and it’s not simply that the pancreas is still making insulin or that the issue is an infection of the pancreas.