Which statement about type 1 diabetes is true?

Which statement about type 1 diabetes is true?

• A. It is caused by autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
• B. It is always diagnosed in adulthood
• C. Oral insulin is the standard therapy in children
• D. Glycemic targets in children are never adjusted

Answer: (A)

Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells causes absolute insulin deficiency, which is the defining feature of type 1 diabetes. This condition commonly presents in children and adolescents, though it can occur at any age, and requires lifelong insulin replacement because the body can no longer produce insulin. Oral insulin is not used in type 1 because pancreatic beta cells are destroyed and insulin cannot be effectively delivered or regulated through the gut. Glycemic targets in children are individualized and adjusted based on age, growth, risk of hypoglycemia, and other factors, rather than being fixed for all pediatric patients.

Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells causes absolute insulin deficiency, which is the defining feature of type 1 diabetes. This condition commonly presents in children and adolescents, though it can occur at any age, and requires lifelong insulin replacement because the body can no longer produce insulin. Oral insulin is not used in type 1 because pancreatic beta cells are destroyed and insulin cannot be effectively delivered or regulated through the gut. Glycemic targets in children are individualized and adjusted based on age, growth, risk of hypoglycemia, and other factors, rather than being fixed for all pediatric patients.