What distinguishes type 1 diabetes from type 2 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, leading to an absolute deficiency of insulin. This condition is typically diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood, although it can occur at any age. The autoimmune nature of type 1 diabetes means that the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys these cells, resulting in a lack of insulin production and necessitating the need for external insulin therapy for blood glucose control.

In contrast, type 2 diabetes is primarily associated with insulin resistance, where the body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin, coupled with a relative deficiency in insulin production that may develop over time. While there is a genetic predisposition for type 2 diabetes, lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity also significantly contribute to its development. Therefore, the distinction lies primarily in the pathophysiology: type 1 is an autoimmune process, while type 2 is characterized by resistance to insulin and often involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors.