Final answer:
Type 1 diabetes is often called juvenile diabetes because it is typically diagnosed in children and young adults. This autoimmune disorder destroys insulin-secreting beta cells in the pancreas, leading to a lack of natural insulin production and a reliance on insulin injections. Historically, the term 'juvenile diabetes' was used to reflect the early age of onset, although it can develop at any age.
Step-by-step explanation:
Type 1 diabetes is often referred to as juvenile diabetes because it is typically diagnosed in children and young adults. However, it can develop at any age. This condition is a chronic autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-secreting beta cells in the pancreas. Consequently, individuals with type 1 diabetes cannot produce their own insulin and require regular insulin injections to manage their blood glucose levels. Understanding the underlying reasons for why type 1 diabetes is also referred to as juvenile diabetes is essential. Historically, the term juvenile diabetes was used because the onset of this type of diabetes commonly occurs in childhood or adolescence. It is characterized by a sudden onset of symptoms such as increased thirst and urination, weight loss, and extreme fatigue after a majority of the beta cells in the pancreas have been destroyed. While type 1 diabetes can appear at any age, it is distinct from type 2 diabetes, which is generally associated with insulin resistance and often develops later in life. Another descriptive term for type 1 diabetes is insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) because individuals with this condition require insulin therapy to survive. The necessity for insulin replacement arises because their body's immune system has damaged the beta cells in the pancreas that normally produce insulin, leading to insufficient insulin to regulate blood glucose levels.