What is the primary cause of Type I Diabetes?

Type I Diabetes is primarily caused by autoimmune damage to the pancreas, specifically targeting the insulin-producing beta cells. In this form of diabetes, the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys these beta cells, leading to an absolute lack of insulin production. Insulin is crucial for regulating blood sugar levels, and without it, glucose cannot effectively enter the body's cells for energy. This autoimmune response typically occurs in childhood or adolescence but can also develop in adults.

Other factors, such as poor diet, lifestyle, obesity, and insulin resistance, are more closely associated with Type II Diabetes. These factors contribute to the development of insulin resistance, where the body's cells fail to respond properly to insulin, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels. However, they do not directly cause Type I Diabetes, which is fundamentally linked to the autoimmune process affecting the pancreas. Understanding this distinction is crucial for recognizing the underlying mechanisms of different types of diabetes and their respective management strategies.