Which of the following statements makes an accurate distinction between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

• A. Type 1 diabetes can be prevented by maintaining a healthy diet, while type 2 diabetes cannot.
• B. Type 1 diabetes is characterized by high insulin levels, while type 2 diabetes is characterized by low insulin levels.
• C. Type 1 diabetes is caused by the immune system destroying insulin-producing cells, while type 2 diabetes is primarily due to insulin resistance.
• D. Type 1 diabetes is more common in adults, while type 2 diabetes only affects children.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the distinction between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is primarily caused by insulin resistance, where the body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin.
2. Step 2: Evaluate the first statement: 'Type 1 diabetes can be prevented by maintaining a healthy diet, while type 2 diabetes cannot.' This is incorrect because type 1 diabetes is not preventable through lifestyle changes, while type 2 diabetes risk can be reduced with a healthy diet and exercise.
3. Step 3: Evaluate the second statement: 'Type 1 diabetes is characterized by high insulin levels, while type 2 diabetes is characterized by low insulin levels.' This is incorrect because type 1 diabetes involves little to no insulin production due to the destruction of beta cells, while type 2 diabetes may initially involve high insulin levels due to insulin resistance, followed by a decline in insulin production over time.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the third statement: 'Type 1 diabetes is caused by the immune system destroying insulin-producing cells, while type 2 diabetes is primarily due to insulin resistance.' This is correct because it accurately describes the underlying causes of both types of diabetes.
5. Step 5: Evaluate the fourth statement: 'Type 1 diabetes is more common in adults, while type 2 diabetes only affects children.' This is incorrect because type 1 diabetes often develops in children and young adults, while type 2 diabetes is more common in adults but can also occur in children, especially with rising obesity rates.