Question

A mother brings her 14-year-old son who seems to be increasingly tired, is losing weight, and is excessively thirsty. After some tests, the provider tells her that her son has a chronic illness characterized by the body's inability to produce insulin due to an autoimmune issue in the pancreas. Which common disease is this?

Option 1: Hypothyroidism
Option 2: Type 1 Diabetes
Option 3: Asthma
Option 4: Hypertension

Answer 1

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by the immune system attacking the insulin-secreting cells of the pancreas, resulting in a lack of insulin. Insulin injections are necessary for individuals with type 1 diabetes to manage their condition and maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the insulin-secreting beta cells of the pancreas. As a result, people with type 1 diabetes lack the insulin needed to keep blood glucose levels within the normal range. Type 1 diabetes may develop in people of any age but is most often diagnosed before adulthood. For type 1 diabetics, insulin injections are critical for survival.

Example:

A 14-year-old boy who is experiencing extreme fatigue, weight loss, excessive thirst, and frequent urination is most likely suffering from type 1 diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas, leading to a lack of insulin and an inability to regulate blood glucose levels. Insulin injections are necessary for individuals with type 1 diabetes to manage their condition and maintain healthy blood sugar levels.