Which statement best describes Type I diabetes?

Which statement best describes Type I diabetes?

• A. An autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas, formerly known as juvenile diabetes.
• B. A metabolic syndrome with insulin resistance.
• C. Characterized by insulin production that is excessive.
• D. Predominantly seen in elderly populations.

Answer: (A)

Type I diabetes is an autoimmune process in which the body’s immune system destroys the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas, resulting in an absolute insulin deficiency. Because there is little to no endogenous insulin, individuals with this form require lifelong insulin therapy. It most commonly presents in children and young adults, which is why it used to be called juvenile diabetes, though it can occur at any age. This distinction matters: there is little to no insulin resistance driving the disease, and there is not excess insulin production, so statements describing metabolic syndrome with insulin resistance or excessive insulin production don’t fit Type I. Also, while Type I can occur at any age, it is not characterized primarily by elderly onset; that pattern is more typical of other forms of diabetes.

Type I diabetes is an autoimmune process in which the body’s immune system destroys the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas, resulting in an absolute insulin deficiency. Because there is little to no endogenous insulin, individuals with this form require lifelong insulin therapy. It most commonly presents in children and young adults, which is why it used to be called juvenile diabetes, though it can occur at any age. This distinction matters: there is little to no insulin resistance driving the disease, and there is not excess insulin production, so statements describing metabolic syndrome with insulin resistance or excessive insulin production don’t fit Type I. Also, while Type I can occur at any age, it is not characterized primarily by elderly onset; that pattern is more typical of other forms of diabetes.