What defines Type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is primarily characterized by the body's inability to produce insulin due to the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells. This condition typically manifests in childhood or early adulthood, although it can occur at any age. Individuals with Type 1 diabetes require lifelong insulin therapy because their bodies do not produce any insulin on their own. Insulin is essential for regulating blood sugar levels, and without it, individuals would face severe health complications.

The nature of Type 1 diabetes distinguishes it from Type 2 diabetes, where insulin resistance is a significant factor, and often presents later in life. Type 1 cannot be effectively managed with oral medications, which are more suited for Type 2 diabetes where insulin production is still possible. Therefore, the lifelong dependency on insulin therapy is what fundamentally defines Type 1 diabetes, emphasizing the need for continuous management of this condition through exogenous insulin administration.