Medical Emergencies · single question
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus — what is NOT seen/characteristic?
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Correct answer: D. Beta cell destruction (autoimmune) — this is TYPE 1, NOT TYPE 2
✓ D) Beta cell destruction (autoimmune) is NOT characteristic of Type 2 DM — it is Type 1.
TYPE 1 DM: autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells → absolute insulin deficiency → requires insulin. TYPE 2 DM: peripheral insulin resistance (cells don't respond to insulin) + relative insulin deficiency (beta cells not destroyed but exhausted) → managed with lifestyle + oral agents (metformin first line) ± insulin later. Beta cell destruction = Type 1. Type 2 patients have decreased SENSITIVITY to insulin, not absent insulin. HbA1c >6.5% = DM diagnosis; 5.7–6.4% = prediabetes.
TYPE 1 DM: autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells → absolute insulin deficiency → requires insulin. TYPE 2 DM: peripheral insulin resistance (cells don't respond to insulin) + relative insulin deficiency (beta cells not destroyed but exhausted) → managed with lifestyle + oral agents (metformin first line) ± insulin later. Beta cell destruction = Type 1. Type 2 patients have decreased SENSITIVITY to insulin, not absent insulin. HbA1c >6.5% = DM diagnosis; 5.7–6.4% = prediabetes.
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