Which statement about type 1 diabetes in children is true?

Which statement about type 1 diabetes in children is true?

• A. It is extremely rare in childhood
• B. It is relatively common in childhood
• C. It always resolves by adolescence
• D. It cannot occur in children under 5

Answer: (B)

In pediatric type 1 diabetes, autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells leads to absolute insulin deficiency, making lifelong insulin therapy necessary. It can occur at any age in childhood, including preschool years, and is the most common form of diabetes seen in children. It is not extremely rare and does not resolve on its own by adolescence. Therefore, describing it as relatively common in childhood is the best statement.

In pediatric type 1 diabetes, autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells leads to absolute insulin deficiency, making lifelong insulin therapy necessary. It can occur at any age in childhood, including preschool years, and is the most common form of diabetes seen in children. It is not extremely rare and does not resolve on its own by adolescence. Therefore, describing it as relatively common in childhood is the best statement.