What type of diabetes is characterized by low production of insulin?

Type 1 diabetes is characterized primarily by the low production of insulin due to the destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This autoimmune process typically occurs in childhood or adolescence, although it can develop in adults as well. Individuals with type 1 diabetes require exogenous insulin to manage their blood glucose levels because their bodies cannot produce sufficient insulin on their own.

In contrast, type 2 diabetes generally involves insulin resistance, where the body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin, and can also include a degree of impaired insulin secretion. Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy and is typically resolved after delivery. Latent autoimmune diabetes is a slower-onset form of type 1 diabetes that can sometimes be mistaken for type 2 due to its later onset. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of insulin production and usage in these various types of diabetes is essential for effective management and treatment.