Describe the process of insulin dependent diabetes (type 1).

• A. Usually develops in adulthood; lifestyle-related insulin resistance.
• B. Typically develops at an early age; autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in pancreas; results in little to no insulin production, requiring synthetic insulin.
• C. Autoimmune destruction occurs but there is preserved insulin production.
• D. Caused by lack of glucose metabolism.

Answer: (C)

Type 1 diabetes arises when the immune system destroys the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. As those insulin-producing cells are eliminated, the body loses its ability to make insulin, often leaving little to no endogenous insulin. Without insulin, glucose cannot enter most tissues effectively, so blood glucose rises and the body switches to fat breakdown for energy, which can lead to ketone production and, if not treated, diabetic ketoacidosis. This form typically presents in younger individuals and is not driven by obesity or insulin resistance; it is an autoimmune condition requiring lifelong external insulin to control blood sugar. The distinguishing feature is the autoimmune destruction of beta cells with markedly reduced or absent insulin production, rather than a primary issue of insulin resistance or a general problem with glucose metabolism.