Which statement describes Type 1 diabetes?

Which statement describes Type 1 diabetes?

• A. It is a metabolic disorder with insulin resistance.
• B. It is an autoimmune disorder with complete absence of insulin secretion.
• C. It is a temporary condition in adults.
• D. It is a deficiency in glucagon production.

Answer: (B)

Type 1 diabetes is driven by an autoimmune process that destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Without beta cells, the body cannot produce insulin, leading to an absolute deficiency of insulin. This is why the statement describing it as an autoimmune disorder with complete absence of insulin secretion fits Type 1 best. It’s not about insulin resistance, which is the hallmark of Type 2 diabetes, and it’s not a temporary condition—Type 1 is a chronic, lifelong condition that requires ongoing insulin therapy. Glucagon production from alpha cells is not the primary issue in Type 1, so a deficiency there wouldn’t explain the disease.

Type 1 diabetes is driven by an autoimmune process that destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Without beta cells, the body cannot produce insulin, leading to an absolute deficiency of insulin. This is why the statement describing it as an autoimmune disorder with complete absence of insulin secretion fits Type 1 best. It’s not about insulin resistance, which is the hallmark of Type 2 diabetes, and it’s not a temporary condition—Type 1 is a chronic, lifelong condition that requires ongoing insulin therapy. Glucagon production from alpha cells is not the primary issue in Type 1, so a deficiency there wouldn’t explain the disease.