What hormone is typically low or absent in individuals with type 1 diabetes?

Individuals with type 1 diabetes typically have low or absent levels of insulin. This condition arises because type 1 diabetes is characterized by the autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, which is essential for glucose metabolism and maintaining blood sugar levels.

In people with type 1 diabetes, the lack of insulin leads to elevated blood glucose levels, as glucose cannot effectively enter the cells to be used for energy. Managing this condition usually requires regular insulin administration to maintain normal blood sugar levels and prevent complications.

The other hormones mentioned, such as cortisol, adrenaline, and glucagon, play different roles in the body’s metabolic processes and do not typically exhibit low or absent levels in individuals with type 1 diabetes. Cortisol, a stress hormone, helps regulate metabolism and has a role in glucose levels but is not directly related to the symptoms or management of type 1 diabetes. Adrenaline can increase blood sugar levels in response to stress, and glucagon, produced by the pancreas, works to raise blood sugar levels by prompting the liver to release glucose. However, these hormones do not replace the essential function of insulin that is lacking in type 1 diabetes.