Final answer:
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas is unable to produce insulin because the immune system destroys the insulin-secreting beta cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin, which is a critical hormone for regulating blood sugar levels. This condition is due to the destruction of insulin-secreting beta cells within the pancreas by the body's own immune system, classifying it as an autoimmune disease. Individuals with type 1 diabetes must carefully monitor their blood glucose levels and administer insulin through injections or an insulin pump to maintain control over their blood sugar levels.
It's important to distinguish that in contrast to type 2 diabetes, where the body's cells become resistant to the effects of insulin, in type 1 diabetes the pancreas is unable to produce insulin in the first place. The lack of insulin production in type 1 diabetes leads to high levels of glucose in the bloodstream, which can have severe health consequences if not managed properly.