Type 1 diabetes mellitus is primarily caused by:

A Insulin resistance

B Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells leading to absolute insulin deficiency

C Excess insulin production

D High sugar diet

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

Type 1 DM: T-cell mediated autoimmune destruction of beta cells. Leads to absolute insulin deficiency. Presents in childhood/adolescence. Associated with HLA-DR3/DR4. Requires insulin therapy.

💡 Why is B) the correct answer?

The correct answer to the question "Type 1 diabetes mellitus is primarily caused by:" is Option B: Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells leading to absolute insulin deficiency.

The other options — A) Insulin resistance, C) Excess insulin production, D) High sugar diet — are incorrect for this USMLE Exam Prep question. As explained above: Type 1 DM: T-cell mediated autoimmune destruction of beta cells. Leads to absolute insulin deficiency. Presents in childhood/adolescence. Associated with HLA-DR3/DR4. Requires insulin therapy.

📚 About This USMLE Exam Prep Practice Question

This 2-level USMLE Exam Prep question from the Step 1 - Basic Sciences topic is part of BrainForge Quiz's free exam preparation library. Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed explanation to help you understand the underlying concept, not just memorize the answer.

How to use this page: Read the question above, consider all four options (A through D), then check the highlighted correct answer and explanation. For active timed practice, start a free USMLE Exam Prep practice test or use flashcards for spaced repetition review.

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Type 1 diabetes mellitus is primarily caused by:

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

📚 About This USMLE Exam Prep Practice Question

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