Insulin injections are primarily needed for which type of diabetes?

Insulin injections are primarily needed for Type I diabetes because this condition is characterized by the autoimmune destruction of the beta cells in the pancreas, which produce insulin. As a result, individuals with Type I diabetes are unable to produce sufficient insulin on their own. Consequently, they require exogenous insulin through injections to regulate their blood glucose levels effectively.

In contrast, Type II diabetes often involves insulin resistance where the body still produces some insulin but is unable to use it effectively. Management of Type II diabetes frequently includes lifestyle modifications, oral medications, and sometimes insulin therapy if needed, but it does not typically start with insulin injections.

Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and may require insulin in some cases, but this is usually temporary and resolves after childbirth. Prediabetes indicates an increased risk of developing Type II diabetes, and it is primarily managed through lifestyle changes and monitoring rather than insulin use. Therefore, insulin injections are predominantly associated with managing Type I diabetes.