Which statement correctly describes Type 1 diabetes?

Which statement correctly describes Type 1 diabetes?

• A. Insulin dependent; body does not produce insulin; childhood onset
• B. Insulin dependent; adult onset
• C. Requires only dietary changes; no meds
• D. Not requiring insulin

Answer: (A)

Type 1 diabetes centers on autoimmune destruction of the pancreatic beta cells, which leads to little or no insulin production. Because of this absolute insulin deficiency, individuals must rely on insulin therapy for life to allow glucose to enter cells and prevent dangerous metabolic states like ketoacidosis. This condition most commonly begins in childhood or adolescence, though it can occur later as well. So describing someone as insulin dependent, having little to no insulin production, and typically starting in childhood best matches what Type 1 diabetes is. In contrast, other statements imply that dietary changes alone could control it, or that insulin isn’t required, or that onset is only in adults—none of which align with the autoimmune destruction and need for ongoing insulin treatment that characterize Type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes centers on autoimmune destruction of the pancreatic beta cells, which leads to little or no insulin production. Because of this absolute insulin deficiency, individuals must rely on insulin therapy for life to allow glucose to enter cells and prevent dangerous metabolic states like ketoacidosis. This condition most commonly begins in childhood or adolescence, though it can occur later as well. So describing someone as insulin dependent, having little to no insulin production, and typically starting in childhood best matches what Type 1 diabetes is.

In contrast, other statements imply that dietary changes alone could control it, or that insulin isn’t required, or that onset is only in adults—none of which align with the autoimmune destruction and need for ongoing insulin treatment that characterize Type 1 diabetes.