What is the primary characteristic of type 1 diabetes?

The primary characteristic of type 1 diabetes is that it requires insulin treatment. This condition is primarily due to an autoimmune response that destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, leading to a complete lack of insulin production. As a result, individuals with type 1 diabetes must rely on external sources of insulin to manage their blood glucose levels. This treatment is essential because insulin is a hormone crucial for the uptake of glucose into cells, and its absence can lead to severe hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, and other serious health complications.

In contrast, while type 1 diabetes typically arises in children and young adults, it can also occur at any age, and it is less common than type 2 diabetes, which often has a strong correlation with obesity and lifestyle factors. Additionally, people with type 1 diabetes cannot manage their condition through diet alone, as they lack the necessary insulin production and must therefore administer insulin to control their blood sugar levels effectively.