What defines Type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is characterized by absolute insulin deficiency due to the autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This means that individuals with Type 1 diabetes have little to no ability to produce insulin, a hormone crucial for regulating blood glucose levels. As a result, they require external insulin administration to manage their blood sugar levels.

Insulin resistance, which is a feature of Type 2 diabetes, does not apply to Type 1 diabetes. While high blood sugar levels are a symptom of the condition, they are not a defining attribute; rather, they result from the lack of insulin. Additionally, Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age, although it is commonly diagnosed in children and young adults, making age-related onset not a defining characteristic. Thus, the defining factor of Type 1 diabetes is the absolute deficiency of insulin.