What is a key difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?

The distinction between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes is primarily based on the underlying mechanisms of the diseases. In Type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, leading to little or no insulin production. This lack of insulin is why individuals with Type 1 diabetes must rely on exogenous insulin to manage their blood glucose levels.

On the other hand, Type 2 diabetes typically begins with insulin resistance, where the body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin. Over time, the pancreas may also fail to produce sufficient insulin to compensate for this resistance. Thus, while Type 1 diabetes is characterized by an absolute deficiency of insulin, Type 2 diabetes involves a relative deficiency due to insulin resistance. This fundamental difference is crucial in diagnosing and treating each type of diabetes effectively.

The other options do not accurately represent the differences: Type 1 diabetes is not caused by lifestyle factors like a sedentary lifestyle; Type 2 diabetes is not classified as an autoimmune condition; and although it is more frequently diagnosed in children, Type 1 diabetes can also occur in adults.