What defines Type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is characterized by an autoimmune response that leads to the destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This condition usually manifests in childhood or early adulthood, though it can occur at any age. Individuals with Type 1 diabetes have an absolute insulin deficiency and must rely on exogenous insulin for survival, which is why it is considered a lifelong condition that typically requires insulin therapy from the time of diagnosis.

The reasons for this dependency stem from the body’s inability to produce sufficient insulin due to the autoimmune attack on pancreatic cells. Consequently, the correct answer highlights the inherent need for insulin from the onset of the disease, differentiating it from other types of diabetes where insulin production or resistance may play a varying role influenced by factors such as diet, age, and lifestyle.