What type of diabetes is characterized by autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells?

Type 1 diabetes is characterized by the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells. In this condition, the immune system mistakenly targets and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This leads to an absolute deficiency of insulin, necessitating insulin replacement therapy for survival.

The autoimmune aspect is crucial in distinguishing type 1 diabetes from type 2 diabetes, which is primarily related to insulin resistance and often has a gradual onset related to lifestyle factors and genetic predispositions. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and is usually related to hormonal changes that affect insulin sensitivity rather than an autoimmune process. Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) can resemble type 2 diabetes, but it often has a slower progression and is characterized by the presence of autoimmune markers; however, it is still primarily a separate entity from the classic type 1 diabetes scenario.

This autoimmune mechanism is what firmly establishes type 1 diabetes as the condition associated with the destruction of beta cells, differentiating it from the other types of diabetes.