Which statement accurately describes a major difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

The statement that type 1 diabetes is characterized by an absolute deficiency of insulin while type 2 diabetes is characterized by a relative deficiency of insulin is accurate and highlights a fundamental difference between these two types of diabetes.

In type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, leading to little or no insulin production. This results in an absolute insulin deficiency, meaning patients require exogenous insulin administration to maintain glucose homeostasis.

In contrast, individuals with type 2 diabetes typically produce insulin, but their body’s cells become resistant to its effects. Consequently, while the pancreas may initially produce adequate amounts of insulin, it is often not sufficient to overcome this resistance, leading to a relative deficiency of insulin. Over time, pancreatic beta-cell function may decline, and the overall insulin production may become inadequate, but the initial state is characterized by this relative deficiency rather than a complete lack of insulin.

Understanding these differences is critical for appropriately managing these two types of diabetes, as treatment strategies and lifestyle interventions vary significantly between them.