Which statement correctly describes insulin therapy for a newly diagnosed adolescent with type 1 diabetes?

Which statement correctly describes insulin therapy for a newly diagnosed adolescent with type 1 diabetes?

• A. Insulin will be required throughout life
• B. Insulin can be stopped during school vacations
• C. Insulin should be changed randomly without guidance
• D. Insulin doses remain constant regardless of activity

Answer: (A)

Insulin therapy is required for life in type 1 diabetes because the body no longer produces insulin. For a newly diagnosed adolescent, insulin replaces the missing hormone to keep blood glucose in a safe range and to prevent ketoacidosis. The aim is to mimic normal insulin patterns with basal insulin providing background coverage and bolus insulin for meals, but the exact doses are not fixed. They’re adjusted based on blood glucose readings, what and how much is eaten, physical activity, puberty-related changes, and illness. Therefore insulin isn’t stopped during vacations, and doses aren’t changed randomly; they’re guided and periodically adjusted by healthcare providers. This lifelong need for insulin is a fundamental part of managing type 1 diabetes.

Insulin therapy is required for life in type 1 diabetes because the body no longer produces insulin. For a newly diagnosed adolescent, insulin replaces the missing hormone to keep blood glucose in a safe range and to prevent ketoacidosis. The aim is to mimic normal insulin patterns with basal insulin providing background coverage and bolus insulin for meals, but the exact doses are not fixed. They’re adjusted based on blood glucose readings, what and how much is eaten, physical activity, puberty-related changes, and illness. Therefore insulin isn’t stopped during vacations, and doses aren’t changed randomly; they’re guided and periodically adjusted by healthcare providers. This lifelong need for insulin is a fundamental part of managing type 1 diabetes.