Which of the following statements is true regarding type 1 diabetes mellitus?
A.
Relative insufficiency of insulin or insulin resistance develops
B.
It can be treated by diet, weight control, and exercise, or oral hypoglycemics
C.
Complications rarely occur
D.
Onset often occurs during childhood
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is:
D. Onset often occurs during childhood
Explanation:
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune condition that primarily affects younger individuals, including children and adolescents, which is why its onset often occurs during childhood. This form of diabetes is characterized by the destruction of pancreatic beta cells, which are responsible for producing insulin. As a result, individuals with T1DM have a complete lack of insulin production and must rely on external insulin administration to regulate their blood glucose levels.
Here’s a breakdown of why the other statements are incorrect:
A. Relative insufficiency of insulin or insulin resistance develops – This statement is more characteristic of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), not Type 1. In Type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance occurs when the body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin, and there is often a relative insufficiency of insulin. In contrast, Type 1 diabetes involves an absolute deficiency of insulin due to autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
B. It can be treated by diet, weight control, and exercise, or oral hypoglycemics – Type 1 diabetes cannot be managed with diet, weight control, exercise, or oral hypoglycemic agents alone. These methods are typically used for Type 2 diabetes management. Individuals with Type 1 diabetes require lifelong insulin therapy for blood glucose control because their bodies do not produce insulin.
C. Complications rarely occur – This statement is false. Individuals with Type 1 diabetes are at risk of a range of complications, including diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), hypoglycemia, and long-term complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy. Effective management of blood glucose levels is crucial to minimizing these risks, but complications can still occur despite careful management.
In summary, Type 1 diabetes mellitus typically begins in childhood or adolescence and requires insulin therapy for management, as opposed to Type 2 diabetes, which involves insulin resistance and can often be managed with lifestyle changes and oral medications.