Georgia Virtual School (GAVS) Health Exam

Which type of diabetes is typically diagnosed in childhood?

1. Type 1 diabetes

2. Type 2 diabetes

3. Gestational diabetes

4. Prediabetes

The correct answer is: Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed in childhood and is characterized by the body's inability to produce insulin because the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This form of diabetes often presents in children, adolescents, or young adults, hence the term "juvenile diabetes." In contrast, Type 2 diabetes generally develops later in life, primarily due to factors such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and insulin resistance, making it more common in adults, although cases in children are rising. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and usually resolves after childbirth, while prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are elevated but not yet high enough to be classified as diabetes, and it can occur in individuals of any age. Thus, the connection of Type 1 diabetes with childhood diagnosis is significant, highlighting its distinct nature compared to the other types.