Autoimmune beta-cell loss, DKA, and why insulin is always the answer. A rapid, high-yield review of diabetes mellitus type 1 for medical students and exam candidates.
In this episode: • Autoimmune beta-cell destruction → absolute insulin deficiency • Anti-GAD + anti-islet cell antibodies • DKA — feared, sometimes first presentation • C-peptide low → no endogenous insulin • Insulin — the only treatment, always required
Exam pearl: Type 1 = autoimmune, absolute deficiency, low C-peptide
