Which type of diabetes is typically diagnosed in children and young adults and is insulin dependent?

• A. Type I diabetes (insulin dependent)
• B. Type II diabetes (non-insulin dependent)
• C. Gestational diabetes
• D. Prediabetes

Answer: (A)

Type I diabetes is the form typically diagnosed in children and young adults and is insulin dependent because it stems from autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells, leaving little to no insulin production. Without insulin, glucose cannot enter most cells, so lifelong insulin therapy is required to regulate blood sugar and prevent complications like ketoacidosis. This contrasts with Type II diabetes, which usually presents later in life and revolves around insulin resistance rather than a complete lack of insulin; management often starts with lifestyle changes and may involve non-insulin medications, with insulin needed only later in some cases. Gestational diabetes occurs specifically during pregnancy due to placental hormones and isn’t a lifelong insulin-dependent condition for the patient. Prediabetes describes a state of impaired glucose tolerance that may progress to diabetes but is not itself defined by required insulin therapy.