Which type of diabetes is classified as insulin-dependent?

Type 1 diabetes is classified as insulin-dependent because individuals with this condition have an autoimmune response that destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, they are unable to produce sufficient insulin, which is essential for regulating blood glucose levels. Patients with Type 1 diabetes must rely on external insulin injections or an insulin pump to manage their blood sugar effectively.

In contrast, Type 2 diabetes, which typically develops in adulthood, usually involves insulin resistance rather than a total lack of insulin production, allowing some individuals to manage their condition with lifestyle changes or oral medications before requiring insulin therapy. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and is typically resolved after childbirth, while Type 3 diabetes is not a formal classification and is often referred to in research contexts discussing diabetes-related cognitive impairment.