Final answer:
Insulin therapy cannot be omitted for type 1 diabetes as it is essential for survival, while some individuals with type 2 diabetes may manage their condition through lifestyle changes and not require insulin or medications, although this is not the case for everyone.
Step-by-step explanation:
In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin because the immune system attacks the insulin-secreting beta cells of the pancreas. Therefore, people with type 1 diabetes must have insulin therapy to survive. Insulin is not just a treatment; it is an essential hormone that such individuals lack, and without it, they cannot regulate their blood glucose levels. There is no cure for type 1 diabetes, so insulin injections or pump therapies must be taken for life.
In contrast, type 2 diabetes involves insulin resistance, where cells do not use insulin effectively, but the pancreas still produces insulin at least to some extent. Lifestyle changes including weight loss, regular physical activity, and balanced eating can sometimes reverse type 2 diabetes or control it to the point where no medication or insulin is required. However, not all individuals with type 2 diabetes can manage their condition through these measures alone, and medications or insulin therapy may still be necessary, especially as the disease progresses.
Therefore, while lifestyle changes can significantly impact the management of type 2 diabetes, completely omitting insulin therapy is not advisable for those with type 1 diabetes, and may or may not be an option for those with type 2 diabetes depending on individual circumstances and the progression of the disease.