Final answer:
The default type of diabetes is not necessarily Type 2 DM when the type is not stated. Accurate diagnosis is crucial, and while Type 2 is more common, each type of diabetes has different causes and treatments. Assuming Type 2 without proper clinical assessment would be misleading.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the type of diabetes mellitus (DM) is not stated, it is false that the default type is Type 2 DM. Each type of diabetes has distinct characteristics and clinical manifestations, and it is essential for proper management and treatment to accurately diagnose the specific type. Type 1 diabetes, formerly known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
On the other hand, Type 2 diabetes is far more common and accounts for about 90 to 95 percent of all diabetes cases. It usually results from a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors leading to insulin resistance and eventually, if the pancreas cannot keep up with the demand, to insulin deficiency. Factors that increase the risk for Type 2 diabetes include obesity, inactivity, poor diet, and family history of diabetes.