Type I diabetes is primarily caused by what mechanism?

Type I diabetes is primarily characterized by the autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This destruction results in an absolute deficiency of insulin, which is critical for regulating blood glucose levels. Unlike Type II diabetes, where insulin resistance plays a significant role, Type I diabetes is fundamentally different as it arises from the immune system mistakenly attacking and destroying the beta cells.

Beta cell destruction leads to elevated blood glucose levels and necessitates lifelong insulin therapy for individuals diagnosed with this condition. The underlying mechanism is most often linked to genetic susceptibility combined with environmental triggers, but the key defining feature is the loss of beta cell function due to the autoimmune response. Therefore, recognizing the role of beta cell destruction is crucial for understanding the pathophysiology of Type I diabetes and its management.